Waltham Forest GPs are well stocked with the flu vaccine, the primary care trust has said.

Some areas across the UK are said to be struggling to cope with demand following a sharp rise in the number of cases of the H1N1 virus, also known as swine flu.

But NHS Waltham Forest insists local GP surgeries are “coping well” and there is no cause for concern.

Dr Kay Eilbert, director of public health at NHS Waltham Forest (PCT), said: “There are currently good stocks of vaccine available across the outer north east London sector, which includes Waltham Forest.

“Over recent weeks there has been a small increase in the number of cases of flu reported in Waltham Forest, some of which have been caused by the swine flu virus.

“It is common for flu cases to increase in the winter months, so this is not a cause for concern.”

The trust says people should not go to A&E if they suspect they have flu, but call their GP.

The Guardian is awaiting further information from Whipps Cross University Hospital on the number of critical care beds taken up by swine flu or seasonal flu cases.

National figures released today show 50 people have died across the UK from flu since October, of which, 45 were swine flu, and five with the seasonal flu strand B.