The 2012 flu season is witnessing an all-time low number of reported flu cases in the UK, according to figures produced by the Health Protection Agency.

Numerous anti-flu campaigns and awareness drives seem to have paid off this winter, as health reports reveal that the number of people who sought medical consultation for flu-like symptoms was the lowest in recorded history.

Only 0.015% people turned up at various healthcare facilities to get themselves screened for probable flu infections, the HPA report notes, suggesting that such a low attendance is unusual for the cold months in the UK.

The report further observes that the present figures stand out in stark contrast to those of the last two seasons when swine influenza accounted for more 1,000 lives in the country, leaving hospital authorities pressed for adequate treatment measures such as vaccines and medication. Not all the patients seeking immediate medical attention could secure admission to hospitals, it notes.

The tables have turned this year and the heartening news is that "the rates of nearly all respiratory infections are falling", the chief of the flu monitoring service at the Royal College of General Practitioners resonated with contentment, attributing low rates of smoking, better public health, and less environmental pollution to the reduced number of flu cases.

Prof Nick Phin of the Health Protection Agency comes up with an alternative theory to explain the reduced number of hospitalisations or GP referrals this year, saying that many people these days find home-based flu treatment more convenient than making appointments with their GPs.

Shall we also say online flu treatment from home is gaining momentum in the UK? We have to wait for another study/empirical survey to find an answer to this question.