The NHS is bracing itself for the worst flu season in over a decade, according to recent figures. Official data shows that at the start of the month, an average of 5,407 patients were hospitalised with flu each day - a 21% increase from the previous week and nearly four times the number from the same week last year. There are several ways to protect yourself from catching the flu, such as regular hand washing and eating foods that boost your immune system. However, if you've already caught the