Health care experts have said that cold weather a deadly strain of flue has resulted in increased death rate in the month of January.

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) data showed that about 28,800 deaths were registered in the fortnight ending January 23 in England and Wales. The number is higher than the average for that period over the previous five years, which is at 21,859. The ONS suggested that the flu virus and the harsh winter is to blame for the increased death rate. A report by Public Health England (PHE) found that deaths among people aged over 65 have been higher than expected for six weeks.

Dr Richard Pebody, head of seasonal flu surveillance at PHE, said, "In recent weeks we have seen evidence of significant excess mortality, particularly in the elderly, with more deaths than expected at this time of the year. Two important causes of excess deaths during the winter are influenza and cold snaps , although estimating exactly how much can be attributed to each takes more time."

Dr Pebody also said that the type of flu that is affecting people particularly impact groups such as the elderly and those with underlying chronic health problems.