This will likely mean that the population’s immunity will have waned, leaving more people vulnerable to the flu.
This means when restrictions are lifted this year transmissions could spike.
Should you get the flu vaccine this year?
Experts are urging those at risk to get vaccinated against the flu as this year’s flu season could be more deadly than previous years.
Dr Yvonne Doyle, medical director at Public Health England, said: “Last winter, flu activity was extremely low, but this is no reason for complacency as it means fewer people have built up a defence against the virus.