Hot on the heels of deadly Aussie flu fears, we're now being warned of a French flu outbreak coming at us from across the Channel.

Parts of France have reported being "on the brink of a flu 'epidemic'" due to a surge in cases with around 12,000 people visiting emergency departments over Christmas.

The French Ministry of Health warns: “Over 49 per cent of influenza-like emergencies are for children under 15, and almost 20 per cent lead to hospitalization. However, the epidemic peak is not yet reached.”

There are worries that this country could see a similar situation to France, and that vulnerable people could be in danger as the country is hit with the illness.

Rising flu levels have contributed to severe pressure seen in UK hospitals.

READ: Flu watch - New map shows the illness hotspots amid deadly Aussie flu fears

Last week, NHS England urged hospitals to defer pre-planned operations and routine outpatient appointments until the end of the month due to severe winter pressures.

The latest Public Health England figures showed that hospitalisation levels for flu are 2.5 times higher than the same point last year.

One of the flu strains circulating this year - H3N2 - has been dubbed Aussie flu because it is the same strain that caused problems during the flu season in the Southern Hemisphere.

Hospitals in Australia struggled to cope with a surge in demand.

READ: Here is what you need to know about the deadly Aussie flu that could be on it's way

The symptoms of Aussie flu are more severe than a normal flu and can cause pneumonia and other complications.

You should start recovering from flu in about seven days, but if it lasts longer than it could be a sign of the more serious Aussie flu or the H3N2 subtype.

Figures from Public Health England show that during the last week of 2017, there were 114 patients newly admitted to intensive care units or high dependency units with flu. This included 17 confirmed cases of the H3N2 strain.

Meanwhile, the rates of general hospitalisation admissions were also on the rise. In the week ending December 31 there were 421 hospitalised influenza cases, including 112 cases of H3N2.

Experts are urging people eligible for the jab to make sure they have been vaccinated.

Jimmy Whitworth, professor of international public health at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, said: "Those who are eligible for the flu vaccine should make sure they receive it.

"It is free for those in high-risk groups, which include people aged 65 and over, pregnant women and those with chronic health conditions.

"Flu is very infectious and spreads through droplets in the air, so try to avoid close contact with people who are unwell.

"Wash your hands frequently with soap and warm water in case you have touched an infected surface, and avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth in case your hands have become contaminated.

"Cleaning and disinfecting used surfaces can help prevent infection from spreading.

"It is not too late to protect yourself, so get vaccinated now."

Dr Richard Pebody, acting head of the respiratory diseases department at Public Health England, added: "Our data shows that more people are visiting GPs with flu symptoms and we are seeing more people admitted to hospitals with the flu.

"The vaccine is the best defence we have against the spread of flu and it isn't too late to get vaccinated.

"People suffering with flu-like symptoms should catch coughs or sneezes in tissues and bin them immediately, wash their hands regularly with soap and warm water and frequently clean regularly used surfaces to stop the spread of flu.

"Avoid having unnecessary contact with other people if you or they have symptoms of flu."

How to prevent getting the flu

Get a flu jab

Remember to wash your hands after going to the bathroom and using public transport.

Avoid rubbing your eyes.

If you show symptoms, stay at home for 24-48 hours when you are most contagious.

Take antiviral drugs prescribed by your doctor.