Capital hit by epidemic of colds and flu

London is in the grip of a massive outbreak of colds and flu-like bugs, experts reported today.

Offices around the capital have been decimated by the bug, which has struck with the onset of chilly weather.

Professor Peter Openshaw of Imperial College said a huge rise in colds and flulike viruses had been reported.

He said: "There is always a big rise at this time of year and London is particularly hard hit, purely because of the number of people here.

"You have children returning to school and people returning to work after summer holidays. It's really one massive melting pot for these kinds of viruses.

"It is also very hard to distinguish between these bugs, as often symptoms are very similar. Muscle pain is often the only difference between a bad cold and flu, and there are a lot of other, similar viruses out there."

Professor Openshaw claimed the average office was a perfect breeding ground for respiratory viruses, adding: "As the weather gets colder and the amount of light drops, this is really the perfect time for colds and flu. Add in a poorly ventilated office where people are shaking hands all the time and it is the perfect breeding ground."

Ruth Ruggles of the Wandsworth Primary Care Trust said: "These bugs are spread through droplets when somebody sneezes or coughs, so the key is to use a tissue and then put it in the bin.

"But the best advice by far if you do come down with something is to stay at home for a few days until you are completely clear."

The Health Protection Agency said its monitoring of flu levels until the end of last week had all been normal. However, experts said outbreaks of flu could spread very quickly.

Miss Ruggles said: "Last year we saw some flu in November, and I don't think we would be entirely surprised if it hit now. Anywhere from October to January is flu season. It is also possible this outbreak is simply something with flu-like symptoms. But until we get a better idea of how it has spread this week we really can't say."

The flu virus kills up to 4,000 people in Britain each year. It spreads through the body by hijacking cells, altering their DNA and forcing them to replicate.

Particularly at risk are the elderly and those with respiratory problems such as asthma, all of whom are advised to get a flu vaccination. However, one of the leading producers of flu vaccines had its licence revoked last week, sparking fears of a vaccine shortage.