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  • United Kingdom - 2014-2015 Influenza Surveillance Reports

    Link to 2013-2014; http://www.flutrackers.com/forum/sho...d.php?t=212633

    Link to Public Health England; https://www.gov.uk/government/statis...al-flu-reports

    13 November 2014 ? Week 46 report (up to week 45 data)

    Summary

    Influenza activity is at low levels in week 45 2014 (ending 9 November), however RSV continues to
    circulate, predominantly in under five year olds.
     Community influenza surveillance
    o In week 45 syndromic surveillance indicators for influenza remained low. Selected respiratory
    indicators continued to rise across all systems during week 45, particularly in infants; in line with
    seasonal expectations and recent increases in laboratory reports for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
    o No new acute respiratory outbreaks have been reported in the past seven days.
     Overall weekly influenza GP consultation rates across the UK
    o In week 45, overall weekly influenza-like illness GP consultations remained low in Wales (4.5 per
    100,000), Scotland (9.6 per 100,000) and Northern Ireland (10.8 per 100,000)).
    o Weekly GP In Hours influenza-like illness consultation rates for influenza are low in week 45.
    o There is no RCGP weekly data available this week because of continuing data quality issues. Work is
    being done to resolve these problems and it is hoped a normal service will resume in the coming
    weeks.
     Influenza-confirmed hospitalisations
    o Two new admissions to ICU/HDU with confirmed influenza were reported through the USISS
    mandatory ICU/HDU surveillance scheme across the UK (143 Trusts in England) in week 45.
    o Seven new hospitalised confirmed influenza cases (one influenza A(H1N1pdm09), four influenza
    A(H3N2) and two influenza B) were reported through the USISS sentinel hospital network across
    England (26 Trusts).
     All-cause mortality data
    o In week 45 2014, no excess all-cause mortality by week of death was seen across the UK through the
    EuroMOMO algorithm.
     Microbiological surveillance
    o No samples were positive for influenza through the UK GP sentinel swabbing schemes in week 45.
    o In week 45 2014, seven influenza positive detections were recorded through the DataMart scheme
    (three A(H3), three B and one A(H1N1)pdm09, a positivity of 0.9% compared to 1.5% the previous
    week). RSV positivity was elevated at 23.8% in week 45 in children <5 years of age.
     Vaccination
    o Up to week 45 2014 in 59% of GP practices reporting weekly to Immform, the provisional proportion of
    people in England who had received the 2014/15 influenza vaccine in targeted groups was as follows:
    38.7% in under 65 years in a clinical risk group, 32.9% in pregnant women, 61.6% in 65+ year olds,
    21.8% in all 2 year olds, 23.2% in all 3 year olds and 18.3% in all 4 year olds.
     International situation
    o Globally, influenza activity remained low, with the exception of some Pacific Islands.
    o Influenza activity in the European Region is typically low at this time of year and there is no indication
    that the influenza season has started.

    ...
    Twitter: @RonanKelly13
    The views expressed are mine alone and do not represent the views of my employer or any other person or organization.

  • #2
    Re: United Kingdom - 2014-2015 Influenza Surveillance Reports

    PHE Weekly National Influenza Report
    Summary of UK surveillance of influenza and other seasonal respiratory
    illnesses
    20 November 2014 ? Week 47 report (up to week 46 data)



    Summary
    Influenza activity is at low levels in week 46 2014 (ending 16 November), however RSV continues to
    circulate, predominantly in under five year olds.
     Community influenza surveillance
    o In week 46 syndromic surveillance indicators for influenza remained low. Selected respiratory
    indicators continued to rise across all systems during week 46, particularly in infants; in line with
    seasonal expectations and recent increases in laboratory reports for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
    o Six new acute respiratory outbreaks have been reported in the past seven days, two in hospitals (one
    parainfluenza and one not tested) two in care homes (one A(H3) and one not tested) and one in a
    primary school (flu A(H3)).
     Overall weekly influenza GP consultation rates across the UK
    o In week 46, overall weekly influenza-like illness GP consultations remained low in Wales (8.4 per
    100,000), Scotland (7.3 per 100,000) and Northern Ireland (8.7 per 100,000)).
    o Weekly GP In Hours influenza-like illness consultation rates for influenza are low in week 46.
    o There is no RCGP weekly data available this week because of continuing data quality issues. Work is
    being done to resolve these problems and it is hoped a normal service will resume in the coming
    weeks.
     Influenza-confirmed hospitalisations
    o Four new admissions to ICU/HDU with confirmed influenza (three A unknown subtype and one B) were
    reported through the USISS mandatory ICU/HDU surveillance scheme across the UK (136 Trusts in
    England) in week 46.
    o Five new hospitalised confirmed influenza cases (two A unknown subtype, two B and one influenza
    A(H3N2)) were reported through the USISS sentinel hospital network across England (24 Trusts).
     All-cause mortality data
    o In week 46 2014, no excess all-cause mortality by week of death was seen across the UK through the
    EuroMOMO algorithm.
     Microbiological surveillance
    o Three samples were positive for influenza through the UK GP sentinel swabbing schemes in week 46
    (two A(H3) and one B).
    o In week 46 2014, eleven influenza positive detections were recorded through the DataMart scheme
    (seven A(H3), three A(not subtyped) and one B, a positivity of 1.2% compared to 0.9% the previous
    week). RSV positivity was elevated at 31.8% in week 46 in children <5 years of age.
     Vaccination
    o Up to week 46 2014 in 81% of GP practices reporting weekly to Immform, the provisional proportion of
    people in England who had received the 2014/15 influenza vaccine in targeted groups was as follows:
    40.3% in under 65 years in a clinical risk group, 35.5% in pregnant women, 64.6% in 65+ year olds,
    25.8% in all 2 year olds, 27.5% in all 3 year olds and 21.6% in all 4 year olds.
    o Provisional data from the first monthly collection of influenza vaccine uptake by frontline healthcare
    workers show 36.8% were vaccinated by 31 October 2014 from 96.6% of Trusts, compared to 35.0%
    vaccinated the previous season by 31 October 2013.
     International situation
    o Globally, influenza activity remained low, with the exception of some Pacific Islands.
    o Influenza activity in the European Region is typically low at this time of year and there is no indication
    that the influenza season has started.
    ...
    Twitter: @RonanKelly13
    The views expressed are mine alone and do not represent the views of my employer or any other person or organization.

    Comment


    • #3
      Re: United Kingdom - 2014-2015 Influenza Surveillance Reports

      PHE Weekly National Influenza Report
      Summary of UK surveillance of influenza and other seasonal respiratory
      illnesses
      27 November 2014 ? Week 48 report (up to week 47 data)


      Summary
      Influenza activity is at low levels in week 47 2014 (ending 23 November), although influenza-confirmed outbreaks are
      starting to be reported in the community and influenza positivity is increasing through the DataMart scheme. RSV
      continues to circulate, predominantly in under five year olds.
       Community influenza surveillance
      o In week 47 syndromic surveillance indicators for influenza remained low. Selected respiratory indicators continued
      to rise across all systems during week 46, particularly in infants; in line with seasonal expectations and recent
      increases in laboratory reports for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
      o Four new acute respiratory outbreaks have been reported in the past seven days, two in care homes (both A(H3))
      and two in schools (neither tested).
       Overall weekly influenza GP consultation rates across the UK
      o In week 47, overall weekly influenza-like illness GP consultations remained low in Wales (7.6 per 100,000),
      Scotland (10.5 per 100,000) and Northern Ireland (9.6 per 100,000)).
      o Weekly GP In Hours influenza-like illness consultation rates for influenza are low in week 47.
      o There is no RCGP weekly data available because of continuing data quality issues. Work is being done to resolve
      these problems and it is hoped a normal service will resume in the coming weeks.
       Influenza-confirmed hospitalisations
      o Three new admissions to ICU/HDU with confirmed influenza (two influenza A(H3N2) and one A unknown subtype)
      were reported through the USISS mandatory ICU/HDU surveillance scheme across the UK (137 Trusts in
      England) in week 47.
      o Seven new hospitalised confirmed influenza cases (six A(H3N2) and one B) were reported through the USISS
      sentinel hospital network across England (24 Trusts).
       All-cause mortality data
      o In week 47 2014, no excess all-cause mortality by week of death was seen across the UK through the
      EuroMOMO algorithm.
       Microbiological surveillance
      o One sample was positive for influenza through the UK GP sentinel swabbing schemes in week 47 (one A(not
      subtyped), positivity of 1.4%).
      o In week 47 2014, 43 influenza positive detections were recorded through the DataMart scheme (33 A(H3), nine
      A(not subtyped) and one B, an increased positivity of 5.4% compared to 1.8% the previous week). RSV positivity
      was elevated at 43.9% in week 47 in children <5 years of age.
       Vaccination
      o Up to week 47 2014 in 91% of GP practices reporting weekly to Immform, the provisional proportion of people in
      England who had received the 2014/15 influenza vaccine in targeted groups was as follows: 42.4% in under 65
      years in a clinical risk group, 36.6% in pregnant women, 66.7% in 65+ year olds, 28.5% in all 2 year olds, 30.5%
      in all 3 year olds and 23.9% in all 4 year olds.
      o Provisional data from the first monthly collection of influenza vaccine uptake by frontline healthcare workers show
      36.8% were vaccinated by 31 October 2014 from 96.6% of Trusts, compared to 35.0% vaccinated the previous
      season by 31 October 2013.
      o Provisional data from the first monthly collection of influenza vaccine uptake up to 31 October 2014 by targeted
      groups has been published. The report provides uptake at national, area team and CCG level.
       International situation
      o Globally, influenza activity remained low, with the exception of some Pacific Islands.
      o In the European Region, although sporadic influenza virus detections are being reported in an increasing number
      of countries, there is no indication that the influenza season has started.
      ...
      Twitter: @RonanKelly13
      The views expressed are mine alone and do not represent the views of my employer or any other person or organization.

      Comment


      • #4
        Re: United Kingdom - 2014-2015 Influenza Surveillance Reports

        PHE Weekly National Influenza Report
        Summary of UK surveillance of influenza and other seasonal respiratory
        illnesses
        4 December 2014 ? Week 49 report (up to week 48 data)


        Summary

        Although overall influenza activity is at low levels in week 48 2014 (ending 30 November), there are signs of
        increasing activity with influenza-confirmed outbreaks reported in the community and the number of influenzaconfirmed
        hospitalisations increasing. RSV continues to circulate, predominantly in under five year olds.
         Community influenza surveillance
        o In week 48 there were further increases in syndromic surveillance respiratory indicators. Of particular note is the
        increase in GP consultations for asthma and ED attendances for asthma/wheeze/difficulty breathing, both in the 5-
        14 years age group.
        o Nine new acute respiratory outbreaks have been reported in the past seven days, seven in schools (one flu A(H3),
        one RSV and five not tested), one in a care home (flu B) and one in a nursery (not tested).
         Overall weekly influenza GP consultation rates across the UK
        o In week 48, overall weekly influenza-like illness GP consultations remained low in Wales (3.7 per 100,000),
        Scotland (7.4 per 100,000) and Northern Ireland (14.3 per 100,000)).
        o Weekly GP In Hours influenza-like illness consultation rates are low in week 48.
        o There is no RCGP weekly data available because of continuing data quality issues. Work is being done to resolve
        these problems and it is hoped a normal service will resume in the coming weeks.
         Influenza-confirmed hospitalisations
        o Eleven new admissions to ICU/HDU with confirmed influenza (two A(H3N2), five A unknown subtype and four B)
        were reported through the USISS mandatory ICU/HDU surveillance scheme across the UK (135 Trusts in
        England) in week 48.
        o 19 new hospitalised confirmed influenza cases (one A(H1N1pdm09), 12 A(H3N2), five A unknown subtype and
        one B) were reported through the USISS sentinel hospital network across England (22 Trusts).
         All-cause mortality data
        o In week 48 2014, no excess all-cause mortality by week of death was seen across the UK through the
        EuroMOMO algorithm.
         Microbiological surveillance
        o Two samples were positive for influenza through the UK GP sentinel swabbing schemes in week 48 (two B),
        positivity of 2.2% compared to 3.9% the previous week (updated)).
        o In week 48 2014, 42 influenza positive detections were recorded through the DataMart scheme (34 A(H3), six
        A(not subtyped) and two B, a similar positivity of 4.0% compared to 4.7% the previous week). RSV positivity was
        elevated at 32.0% in week 48 in children <5 years of age, though this has decreased compared to the previous
        week (37.1%).
         Vaccination
        o Up to week 48 2014 in 91% of GP practices reporting weekly to Immform, the provisional proportion of people in
        England who had received the 2014/15 influenza vaccine in targeted groups was as follows: 68.4% in 65+ year
        olds, 44.2% in under 65 years in a clinical risk group, 38.3% in pregnant women, 30.9% in all 2 year olds, 33.1%
        in all 3 year olds and 26.0% in all 4 year olds.
        o Provisional data from the first monthly collection of influenza vaccine uptake by frontline healthcare workers show
        36.8% were vaccinated by 31 October 2014 from 96.6% of Trusts, compared to 35.0% vaccinated the previous
        season by 31 October 2013.
        o Provisional data from the first monthly collection of influenza vaccine uptake up to 31 October 2014 by targeted
        groups has been published. The report provides uptake at national, area team and CCG level.
         International situation
        o Globally, influenza activity remained low, with the exception of some Pacific Islands, although activity in North
        America continued to increase.
        o In the European Region, although sporadic influenza virus detections are being reported in an increasing number
        of countries, there is no indication that the influenza season has started.
        ...
        Twitter: @RonanKelly13
        The views expressed are mine alone and do not represent the views of my employer or any other person or organization.

        Comment


        • #5
          Re: United Kingdom - 2014-2015 Influenza Surveillance Reports

          PHE Weekly National Influenza Report
          Summary of UK surveillance of influenza and other seasonal respiratory
          illnesses
          11 December 2014 – Week 50 report (up to week 49 data)


          Summary
          In week 49 2014 (ending 7 December), influenza activity increased for several indicators, including syndromic
          indicators, GP ILI consultation rates and proportion of samples positive for influenza. RSV continues to
          circulate, predominantly in under five year olds.
           Community influenza surveillance
          o In week 49 syndromic surveillance indicators for influenza-like illness have started to increase across all
          systems.
          o Twelve new acute respiratory outbreaks have been reported in the past seven days, seven in schools (one flu
          A(H3), one A(not subtyped) and five not tested), four in care homes (all not tested) and one in a nursery (not
          tested).
           Overall weekly influenza GP consultation rates across the UK
          o In week 49, overall weekly influenza-like illness GP consultations started to increase in Wales (10.9 per
          100,000) but remained low in Scotland (6.5 per 100,000) and Northern Ireland (15.7 per 100,000)).
          o The weekly ILI consultation rate per 100,000 population through the GP In Hours Syndromic Surveillance
          system has started to increase in week 49.
           Influenza-confirmed hospitalisations
          o 13 new admissions to ICU/HDU with confirmed influenza (11 A unknown subtype and two B) were reported
          through the USISS mandatory ICU/HDU surveillance scheme across the UK (132 Trusts in England) in week
          49.
          o 20 new hospitalised confirmed influenza cases (16 influenza A(H3N2), two A unknown subtype and two B)
          were reported through the USISS sentinel hospital network across England (25 Trusts).
           All-cause mortality data
          o In week 49 2014, no excess all-cause mortality by week of death was seen across the UK through the
          EuroMOMO algorithm.
           Microbiological surveillance
          o Four samples were positive for influenza through the UK GP sentinel swabbing schemes in week 48 (one
          A(H3) and one B, positivity of 4.3&#37; compared to 2.4% the previous week (updated)).
          o In week 49 2014, 80 influenza positive detections were recorded through the DataMart scheme (58 A(H3), 19
          A(not subtyped) and three B, a positivity of 8.1% compared to 4.6% the previous week, with a positivity of
          18.8% in 5-14 year olds). RSV positivity was elevated at 48.5% in week 49 in children <5 years of age.
          o The majority of influenza A(H3N2) viruses isolated and characterised by the PHE Respiratory Virus Unit were
          similar to the Northern Hemisphere 2014/15 vaccine strain, however three showed reduced reactivity and
          were similar to the H3N2 virus selected for the 2015 Southern Hemisphere influenza vaccine.
           Vaccination
          o Up to week 49 2014 in 88% of GP practices reporting weekly to Immform, the provisional proportion of people
          in England who had received the 2014/15 influenza vaccine in targeted groups was as follows: 69.7% in 65+
          year olds, 45.9% in under 65 years in a clinical risk group, 39.8% in pregnant women, 33.1% in all 2 year olds,
          35.4% in all 3 year olds and 27.8% in all 4 year olds.
          o Provisional data from the first monthly collection of influenza vaccine uptake by frontline healthcare workers
          show 36.8% were vaccinated by 31 October 2014 from 96.6% of Trusts, compared to 35.0% vaccinated the
          previous season by 31 October 2013.
           International situation
          o Globally, influenza activity remained low, with the exception of some Pacific Islands, although activity in
          North America continued to increase.
          o In the European Region, although sporadic influenza virus detections are being reported in an increasing
          number of countries, there is no indication that the influenza season has started.
          ...
          -In week 49, 13 new admissions to ICU/HDU with confirmed influenza infection (11 A unknown subtype and two
          B) were reported across the UK (132/156 Trusts in England) through the USISS mandatory ICU scheme
          (Figures 5 and 6) compared to 11 in week 48. Two new confirmed influenza deaths were reported in week 49
          2014. A total of 41 admissions (27 A unknown subtype, seven A(H3) and seven B) and four confirmed influenza
          deaths have been reported since week 40 2014.
          Twitter: @RonanKelly13
          The views expressed are mine alone and do not represent the views of my employer or any other person or organization.

          Comment


          • #6
            Re: United Kingdom - 2014-2015 Influenza Surveillance Reports

            PHE Weekly National Influenza Report
            Summary of UK surveillance of influenza and other seasonal respiratory
            illnesses
            18 December 2014 ? Week 51 report (up to week 50 data)

            Summary
            In week 50 2014 (ending 14 December), across indicators influenza activity increased nationally and is now at low
            intensity levels. The Department of Health have now issued an alert on the prescription of antiviral medicines by
            GPs.

             Community influenza surveillance
            o In week 50 syndromic surveillance indicators for influenza-like illness continued to increase across all systems.
            o 45 new acute respiratory outbreaks have been reported in the past seven days, 25 in schools (two flu A(H3), one
            A(not subtyped) and 22 not tested), 15 in care homes (1 flu A(H3), 5 flu A(untyped), 1 RSV and 8 not tested) and
            and five in hospitals (3 flu A(untyped), 1 rhinovirus and 1 not tested).
            o The FluSurvey project, internet-based surveillance of influenza in the general population, is now running. For
            information on how to participate, please see the website.

             Overall weekly influenza GP consultation rates across the UK
            o In week 50, overall weekly influenza-like illness (ILI) GP consultations increased in Wales (9.6 per 100,000) and
            remained low in Scotland (10.6 per 100,000) and Northern Ireland (15.5 per 100,000)).
            o The weekly ILI consultation rate per 100,000 population through the GP In Hours Syndromic Surveillance system
            continued to increase in week 50.

             Influenza-confirmed hospitalisations
            o 36 new admissions to ICU/HDU with confirmed influenza (30 A unknown subtype and six A(H3N2)) were reported
            through the USISS mandatory ICU/HDU surveillance scheme across the UK (136 Trusts in England) in week 50.
            o 44 new hospitalised confirmed influenza cases (three A(H1N1pdm09), 28 influenza A(H3N2) and 13 A unknown
            subtype) were reported through the USISS sentinel hospital network across England (25 Trusts).

             All-cause mortality data
            o In week 50 2014, no excess all-cause mortality by week of death was seen across the UK through the
            EuroMOMO algorithm.

             Microbiological surveillance
            o 29 samples were positive for influenza through the UK GP sentinel swabbing schemes in week 50 (26 A(H3), two
            B and one A(H1N1)pdm09, positivity of 22.5% compared to 4.3% the previous week (updated)).
            o In week 50 2014, 220 influenza positive detections were recorded through the DataMart scheme (182 A(H3), 36
            A(not subtyped) and one B, a positivity of 15.4% compared to 9.4% the previous week, with the highest positivity
            by age group in 65+ year olds at 30.4%). RSV positivity was elevated at 49.1% in week 50 in children <5 years of
            age.
            o The majority of influenza A(H3N2) viruses isolated and characterised by the PHE Respiratory Virus Unit were
            similar to the Northern Hemisphere 2014/15 vaccine strain, however three (19%) showed reduced reactivity and
            were similar to the H3N2 virus selected for the 2015 Southern Hemisphere influenza vaccine. PHE is continuing
            to monitor the situation.

             Vaccination
            o Up to week 50 2014 in 94% of GP practices reporting weekly to Immform, the provisional proportion of people in
            England who had received the 2014/15 influenza vaccine in targeted groups was as follows: 70.6% in 65+ year
            olds, 47.1% in under 65 years in a clinical risk group, 41.6% in pregnant women, 34.8% in all 2 year olds, 37.3%
            in all 3 year olds and 29.3% in all 4 year olds.
            o Provisional data from the second monthly collection of influenza vaccine uptake by frontline healthcare workers
            show 48.2% were vaccinated by 30 November 2014 from 97.0% of Trusts, compared to 48.6% vaccinated the
            previous season by 30 November 2013.

             International situation
            o Globally, influenza activity continued to increase in North America but remained low in other regions, with the
            exception of several Pacific Islands where ILI activity remained high.
            o In the European Region, sporadic influenza virus detections are being reported in an increasing number of
            countries, though there is no indication that the influenza season has started.
            ...
            -In week 50, 36 new admissions to ICU/HDU with confirmed influenza infection (30 A unknown subtype and six
            A(H3N2)) were reported across the UK (136/156 Trusts in England) through the USISS mandatory ICU scheme
            (Figures 5 and 6) compared to 13 in week 49. Two new confirmed influenza deaths were reported in week 50
            2014. A total of 77 admissions (57 A unknown subtype, A(H3) and seven B) and six confirmed influenza deaths
            have been reported since week 40 2014.

            ...
            Twitter: @RonanKelly13
            The views expressed are mine alone and do not represent the views of my employer or any other person or organization.

            Comment


            • #7
              PHE Weekly National Influenza Report
              Summary of UK surveillance of influenza and other seasonal respiratory
              illnesses
              24 December 2014 ? Week 52 report (up to week 51 data)


              Summary
              In week 51 2014 (ending 21 December), across all indicators influenza activity increased nationally. Overall, levels
              are now similar to the peak in flu activity observed in the last three seasons, but have not reached the levels seen
              in the last notable seasons of 2010/11 and 2008/09. The Department of Health have issued an alert on the
              prescription of antiviral medicines by GPs.

               Community influenza surveillance
              o In week 51 syndromic surveillance indicators for influenza continued to increase across all systems.
              o 16 in care homes (1 flu A(H3), 2 flu A(untyped) and 13 not tested), nine in hospitals (5 flu A(untyped), and 4 not
              tested), and 4 in schools (all not tested).
              o The FluSurvey project, internet-based surveillance of influenza in the general population, is now running. For
              information on how to participate, please see the website.
               Overall weekly influenza GP consultation rates across the UK
              o In week 51, overall weekly influenza-like illness (ILI) GP consultations increased in Wales (14.9 per 100,000) and
              remained low in Scotland (11.6 per 100,000) and Northern Ireland (17.5 per 100,000)).
              o The weekly ILI consultation rate per 100,000 population through the GP In Hours Syndromic Surveillance system
              continued to increase in week 51 (18.4 per 100 000).
               Influenza-confirmed hospitalisations
              o 43 new admissions to ICU/HDU with confirmed influenza (35 A unknown subtype and five A(H3N2)) were reported
              through the USISS mandatory ICU/HDU surveillance scheme across the UK (88 Trusts in England) in week 51, a
              rate of 0.15 per 100,000 compared to 0.08 per 100,000 the previous week.
              o 33 new hospitalised laboratory confirmed influenza cases (26 influenza A(H3N2) and seven A unknown subtype)
              were reported through the USISS sentinel hospital network across England (11 Trusts), a rate of 0.92 per 100,000
              compared to 0.48 per 100,000 the previous week.
               All-cause mortality data
              o In week 51 2014, where data was available no excess all-cause mortality by week of death was seen across the
              UK through the EuroMOMO algorithm.
               Microbiological surveillance
              o 36 samples were positive for influenza through the UK GP sentinel swabbing schemes in week 51 (34 A(H3) and
              two A(not subtyped), positivity of 49.3% compared to 24.5% the previous week (updated)).
              o In week 51 2014, 300 influenza positive detections were recorded through the DataMart scheme (232 A(H3), 67
              A(not subtyped) and one A(H1N1)pdm09, positivity of 22.2% compared to 16.0% the previous week), with the
              highest positivity by age group in 5-14 year olds at 33.3%.
              o The majority of influenza A(H3N2) viruses isolated and characterised by the PHE Respiratory Virus Unit were
              similar to the Northern Hemisphere 2014/15 vaccine strain, however three (14%) showed reduced reactivity and
              were similar to the H3N2 virus selected for the 2015 Southern Hemisphere influenza vaccine. PHE is continuing
              to monitor the situation.
               Vaccination
              o Up to week 51 2014 in 93% of GP practices reporting weekly to Immform, the provisional proportion of people in
              England who had received the 2014/15 influenza vaccine in targeted groups was as follows: 71.1% in 65+ year
              olds, 48.0% in under 65 years in a clinical risk group, 42.5% in pregnant women, 36.2% in all 2 year olds, 38.7%
              in all 3 year olds and 30.4% in all 4 year olds.
              o Provisional data from the second monthly collection of influenza vaccine uptake by frontline healthcare workers
              show 48.2% were vaccinated by 30 November 2014 from 97.0% of Trusts, compared to 48.6% vaccinated the
              previous season by 30 November 2013.
              o Provisional data from the second monthly collection of influenza vaccine uptake up to 30 November 2014 by
              targeted groups has been published. The report provides uptake at national, area team and CCG level.
               International situation
              o Globally, influenza activity continued to increase in the northern hemisphere and in several countries has passed
              the seasonal threshold, with influenza A(H3N2) predominating so far. In the European Region, influenza activity
              remained low but was increasing.
              ...
              -In week 51, 43 new admissions to ICU/HDU with confirmed influenza infection (35 A unknown subtype and five
              A(H3N2)) were reported across the UK (88/156 Trusts in England) through the USISS mandatory ICU scheme
              (Figures 5 and 6), a rate of 0.15 per 100,000 compared to 0.08 per 100,000 the previous week. Four new
              confirmed influenza deaths were reported in week 51 2014. A total of 129 admissions (102 A unknown subtype,
              19 A(H3), five B and 3 A(H1N1)pdm09) and 10 confirmed influenza deaths have been reported since week 40
              2014.

              ...
              Twitter: @RonanKelly13
              The views expressed are mine alone and do not represent the views of my employer or any other person or organization.

              Comment


              • #8
                PHE Weekly National Influenza Report
                Summary of UK surveillance of influenza and other seasonal respiratory
                illnesses
                31 December 2014 ? Week 1 report (up to week 52 data)


                Summary
                In week 52 2014 (ending 28 December), allowing for Christmas reporting breaks, across indicators influenza
                activity remained at broadly similar levels to those reported the previous week. Overall, levels remain similar to
                the peak of flu activity observed in the last three seasons, but have not reached the levels seen in the last notable
                seasons of 2010/11 and 2008/09. The Department of Health have issued an alert on the prescription of antiviral
                medicines by GPs.
                 Community influenza surveillance
                o In week 52 syndromic surveillance indicators for respiratory infections, including influenza-like illness, continued
                to increase across all systems.
                o 14 new acute respiratory outbreaks were reported in the last seven days: 10 in care homes (one flu A(untyped)
                and nine not tested), three in hospitals (two flu A(untyped) and one no result available), and one in a school (not
                tested).
                 Overall weekly influenza GP consultation rates across the UK
                o Due to bank holidays in week 52 (ending 28 December 2014), GP surgeries were only open for three days ? data
                should therefore be interpreted with caution.

                o In week 52, overall weekly influenza-like illness (ILI) GP consultations remained elevated in Wales (11.4 per
                100,000) and low in Scotland (17.4 per 100,000) and Northern Ireland (10.4 per 100,000)).
                o The weekly ILI consultation rate through the GP In Hours Syndromic Surveillance system remained elevated in
                week 52 at 11.4 per 100,000.
                 Influenza-confirmed hospitalisations
                o 45 new admissions to ICU/HDU with confirmed influenza (28 A unknown subtype, 13 A(H3N2), 3 influenza
                A(H1N1)pdm09 and 1 influenza B) were reported through the USISS mandatory ICU/HDU surveillance scheme
                across the UK (82 Trusts in England) in week 52, a rate of 0.18 per 100,000 compared to 0.21 per 100,000 the
                previous week.
                o 97 new hospitalised confirmed influenza cases (55 influenza A(H3N2), 38 A unknown subtype, 2 influenza
                A(H1N1)pdm09 and 2 influenza B) were reported through the USISS sentinel hospital network across England
                (14 Trusts), a rate of 0.90 per 100,000 compared to 0.77 per 100,000 the previous week.
                 All-cause mortality data
                o In week 51 2014, where data was available no excess all-cause mortality by week of death was seen across the
                UK through the EuroMOMO algorithm.
                 Microbiological surveillance
                o 31 samples were positive for influenza through the UK GP sentinel swabbing schemes in week 52 (29 A(H3), one
                A(H1N1)pdm09 and one B, positivity of 37.3% compared to 28.9% the previous week (updated)).
                o In week 52 2014, 328 influenza positive detections were recorded through the DataMart scheme (239 A(H3), 88
                A(not subtyped), one A(H1N1)pdm09 and five B, positivity of 30.8% compared to 28.1% the previous week, with
                the highest positivity by age group in 65+ year olds at 41.3%).
                o The majority of influenza A(H3N2) viruses isolated and characterised by the PHE Respiratory Virus Unit were
                similar to the Northern Hemisphere 2014/15 vaccine strain, however three (14%) showed reduced reactivity and
                were similar to the H3N2 virus selected for the 2015 Southern Hemisphere influenza vaccine. PHE is continuing
                to monitor the situation.
                 Vaccination
                o Up to week 52 2014 in 92% of GP practices reporting weekly to Immform, the provisional proportion of people in
                England who had received the 2014/15 influenza vaccine in targeted groups was as follows: 71.3% in 65+ year
                olds, 48.4% in under 65 years in a clinical risk group, 42.9% in pregnant women, 36.7% in all 2 year olds, 39.2%
                in all 3 year olds and 31.0% in all 4 year olds.
                o Provisional data from the second monthly collection of influenza vaccine uptake by frontline healthcare workers
                show 48.2% were vaccinated by 30 November 2014 from 97.0% of Trusts.
                 International situation
                o Globally, influenza activity continued to increase in the northern hemisphere with influenza A(H3N2)
                predominating so far. In the European Region, influenza activity remained low but continued to increase.
                ...
                -In week 52, 45 new admissions to ICU/HDU with confirmed influenza infection (28 A unknown subtype, 13
                A(H3N2), 3 influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 and 1 influenza B) were reported across the UK (82/156 Trusts in
                England) through the USISS mandatory ICU scheme (Figures 5 and 6), a rate of 0.18 per 100,000 compared to
                0.21 per 100,000 the previous week. Two new confirmed influenza deaths were reported in week 52 2014. A
                total of 230 admissions (179 A unknown subtype, 35 A(H3), 8 B and 8 A(H1N1)pdm09) and 17 confirmed
                influenza deaths have been reported since week 40 2014.
                ...


                Twitter: @RonanKelly13
                The views expressed are mine alone and do not represent the views of my employer or any other person or organization.

                Comment


                • #9
                  PHE Weekly National Influenza Report
                  Summary of UK surveillance of influenza and other seasonal respiratory
                  illnesses
                  8 January 2015 ? Week 2 report (up to week 1 data)


                  Summary
                  In week 1 2015 (ending 4 January), allowing for bank holiday reporting breaks, across indicators influenza activity was
                  at similar or higher levels than those reported the previous week. Overall, levels are now higher than the peak of flu
                  activity observed in the last three seasons, but have not reached the levels seen in the last notable seasons of 2010/11
                  and 2008/09. The Department of Health have issued an alert on the prescription of antiviral medicines by GPs.
                   Community influenza surveillance
                  o In week 1 syndromic surveillance indicators for respiratory infections, including influenza-like illness, decreased in
                  children, however there were further increases in adults and particularly in the elderly.
                  o 74 new acute respiratory outbreaks were reported in the last seven days: 60 in care homes (13 A(untyped), one A(H3)
                  and the rest not tested/results not available yet), 12 in hospitals (6 A(untyped), one A (untyped)/B and the others no
                  results yet), and two in schools (not tested).
                   Overall weekly influenza GP consultation rates across the UK
                  o Due to bank holidays in week 1 (ending 4 January 2015), GP surgeries were only open for four days (three in
                  Scotland) ? data should therefore be interpreted with caution.
                  o In week 1, overall weekly influenza-like illness (ILI) GP consultations increased in Wales (23.4 per 100,000) and
                  Northern Ireland (26.1 per 100,000) but remained stable in Scotland (18.6 per 100,000).
                  o The weekly ILI consultation rate through the GP In Hours Syndromic Surveillance system remained elevated in week
                  1 at 18.3 per 100,000.
                   Influenza-confirmed hospitalisations
                  o 107 new admissions to ICU/HDU with confirmed influenza (67 A unknown subtype, 32 A(H3N2), seven influenza
                  A(H1N1)pdm09 and one influenza B) were reported through the USISS mandatory ICU/HDU surveillance scheme
                  across the UK (124 Trusts in England) in week 1, a rate of 0.24 per 100,000 compared to 0.27 per 100,000 the
                  previous week.
                  o 184 new hospitalised confirmed influenza cases (127 influenza A(H3N2), 51 A unknown subtype, four influenza B and
                  two influenza A(H1N1)pdm09) were reported through the USISS sentinel hospital network across England (24 Trusts),
                  a rate of 1.99 per 100,000 compared to 1.40 per 100,000 the previous week.
                   All-cause mortality data
                  o Where data was available, up to week 51 2014 no excess all-cause mortality by week of death was seen through the
                  EuroMOMO algorithm in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. In Scotland, up to week 1 2015, excess mortality was
                  seen in week 51 2014 and 1 2015.
                   Microbiological surveillance
                  o 78 samples were positive for influenza through the UK GP sentinel swabbing schemes in week 1 (65 A(H3), eight
                  A(not subtyped) and two B, positivity of 42.2% compared to 40.5% the previous week (updated)).
                  o In week 1 2015, 512 influenza positive detections were recorded through the DataMart scheme (461 A(H3), 34 A(not
                  subtyped), nine A(H1N1)pdm09 and eight B, positivity of 31.7% compared to 33.5% the previous week, with the
                  highest positivity by age group in 65+ year olds at 44.6%).
                  o The majority of influenza A(H3N2) viruses isolated and characterised by the PHE Respiratory Virus Unit were similar
                  to the Northern Hemisphere 2014/15 vaccine strain, however five (21%) showed reduced reactivity and were similar to
                  the H3N2 virus selected for the 2015 Southern Hemisphere influenza vaccine. PHE is continuing to monitor the
                  situation.
                   Vaccination
                  o Up to week 1 2015 in 93% of GP practices reporting weekly to Immform, the provisional proportion of people in
                  England who had received the 2014/15 influenza vaccine in targeted groups was as follows: 71.7% in 65+ year olds,
                  48.9% in under 65 years in a clinical risk group, 43.1% in pregnant women, 37.2% in all 2 year olds, 39.8% in all 3
                  year olds and 31.5% in all 4 year olds.
                  o Provisional data from the second monthly collection of influenza vaccine uptake by frontline healthcare workers show
                  48.2% were vaccinated by 30 November 2014 from 97.0% of Trusts.
                   International situation
                  o Globally, influenza activity continued to increase in the northern hemisphere with influenza A(H3N2) predominating so
                  far. In the European Region, the influenza season appears to be starting, with influenza A(H3N2) viruses the
                  predominant viruses detected across all surveillance systems.
                  ...
                  In week 1, 107 new admissions to ICU/HDU with confirmed influenza (67 A unknown subtype, 32 A(H3N2),
                  seven influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 and one influenza B) were reported across the UK (124/156 Trusts in England)
                  through the USISS mandatory ICU scheme (Figures 5 and 6), a rate of 0.24 per 100,000 compared to 0.27 per
                  100,000 the previous week. 14 new confirmed influenza deaths were reported in week 1 2015. A total of 426
                  admissions (323 A unknown subtype, 78 A(H3N2), 16 A(H1N1)pdm09) and nine B) and 41 confirmed influenza
                  deaths have been reported since week 40 2014.

                  ...
                  Twitter: @RonanKelly13
                  The views expressed are mine alone and do not represent the views of my employer or any other person or organization.

                  Comment


                  • #10
                    PHE Weekly National Influenza Report
                    Summary of UK surveillance of influenza and other seasonal respiratory illnesses
                    15 January 2015 ? Week 3 report (up to week 2 data)


                    Summary
                    In week 2 2015 (ending 11 January), across indicators influenza activity was at similar or lower levels than those
                    reported the previous week. The Department of Health have issued an alert on the prescription of antiviral medicines
                    by GPs.
                     Community influenza surveillance
                    o In week 2 syndromic surveillance indicators for influenza-like illness showed little change relative to week 1. All other
                    respiratory indicators remained high but showed signs of decrease across age groups.
                    o 120 new acute respiratory outbreaks were reported in the last seven days: 108 in care homes (20 A(untyped), three
                    A(H3) and the rest not tested/results not available yet), eight in hospitals (seven A(untyped) and one no results
                    available yet), two in schools (not tested) and two in other settings (not tested).
                     Overall weekly influenza GP consultation rates across the UK
                    o In week 2, overall weekly influenza-like illness (ILI) GP consultations increased in Wales (21.5 per 100,000), Northern
                    Ireland (47.6 per 100,000) and Scotland (27.6 per 100,000).
                    o The weekly ILI consultation rate through the GP In Hours Syndromic Surveillance system remained elevated in week
                    2 at 21.3 per 100,000.
                     Influenza-confirmed hospitalisations
                    o 85 new admissions to ICU/HDU with confirmed influenza (52 A unknown subtype, 24 A(H3N2), six influenza
                    A(H1N1)pdm09 and three influenza B) were reported through the USISS mandatory ICU/HDU surveillance scheme
                    across the UK (128 Trusts in England) in week 2, a rate of 0.19 per 100,000 compared to 0.26 per 100,000 the
                    previous week.
                    o 164 new hospitalised confirmed influenza cases (135 influenza A(H3N2), 26 A unknown subtype and three influenza
                    B) were reported through the USISS sentinel hospital network across England (25 Trusts), a rate of 1.64 per 100,000
                    compared to 1.74 per 100,000 the previous week.
                     All-cause mortality data
                    o In week 2 2015, significant excess all-cause mortality by week of death was seen through the EuroMOMO algorithm in
                    England in 65+ year olds. In the devolved administrations, no significant excess all-cause mortality was seen in week
                    2. Since week 40 2014, significant excess mortality has been seen in England from week 50 to 2 2015.
                     Microbiological surveillance
                    o 110 samples were positive for influenza through the UK GP sentinel swabbing schemes in week 2 (92 A(H3), nine
                    A(H1N1)pdm09, five A(not subtyped) and four B, positivity of 37.5% compared to 39.0% the previous week
                    (updated)).
                    o In week 2 2015, 425 influenza positive detections were recorded through the DataMart scheme (355 A(H3), 51 A(not
                    subtyped), eight A(H1N1)pdm09 and 11 B, a positivity of 24.4% compared to 31.2% the previous week, with the
                    highest positivity by age group in 65+ year olds at 36.3%).
                    o The majority of influenza A(H3N2) viruses isolated and characterised by the PHE Respiratory Virus Unit were similar
                    to the Northern Hemisphere 2014/15 vaccine strain, however 12 (21%) showed reduced reactivity and were similar to
                    the H3N2 virus selected for the 2015 Southern Hemisphere influenza vaccine. PHE is continuing to monitor the
                    situation.
                     Vaccination
                    o Up to week 2 2015 in 83% of GP practices reporting weekly to Immform, the provisional proportion of people in
                    England who had received the 2014/15 influenza vaccine in targeted groups was as follows: 71.9% in 65+ year olds,
                    49.0% in under 65 years in a clinical risk group, 43.3% in pregnant women, 37.0% in all 2 year olds, 39.7% in all 3
                    year olds and 31.5% in all 4 year olds.
                    o Provisional data from the second monthly collection of influenza vaccine uptake by frontline healthcare workers show
                    48.2% were vaccinated by 30 November 2014 from 97.0% of Trusts.
                     International situation
                    o Globally, influenza activity continued to increase in the northern hemisphere with influenza A(H3N2) continuing to
                    dominate. In the European Region, the influenza seaason has started, with influenza A(H3N2) viruses the predominant
                    viruses detected across all surveillance systems.
                    ...
                    -In week 2, 85 new admissions to ICU/HDU with confirmed influenza (52 A unknown subtype, 24 A(H3N2), six
                    influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 and three influenza B) were reported across the UK (127/156 Trusts in England)
                    through the USISS mandatory ICU scheme (Figures 5 and 6), a rate of 0.19 per 100,000 compared to 0.26 per
                    100,000 the previous week. Eight new confirmed influenza deaths were reported in week 2 2015. A total of 541
                    admissions (401 A unknown subtype, 98 A(H3N2), 30 A(H1N1)pdm09) and 12 B) and 51 confirmed influenza
                    deaths have been reported since week 40 2014.

                    ...
                    Twitter: @RonanKelly13
                    The views expressed are mine alone and do not represent the views of my employer or any other person or organization.

                    Comment


                    • #11
                      PHE Weekly National Influenza Report
                      Summary of UK surveillance of influenza and other seasonal respiratoryillnesses
                      22 January 2015 ? Week 4 report (up to week 3 data)


                      Summary

                      In week 3 2015 (ending 18 January), across indicators influenza activity was at lower levels than those reported the
                      previous week in England. Significant excess all-cause mortality continues to be seen in 65+ year olds. The
                      Department of Health alert issued on the prescription of antiviral medicines by GPs is still active.
                       Community influenza surveillance
                      o In week 3 syndromic surveillance indicators for respiratory symptoms, including influenza-like illness, decreased
                      during week 3 across all systems.
                      o 73 new acute respiratory outbreaks were reported in the last seven days: 60 in care homes (11 flu A(untyped) and
                      the rest not tested/results not available yet), nine in hospitals (six flu A(untyped) and the other three no results yet),
                      four in schools (one flu A(untyped) and the other three not tested).
                       Overall weekly influenza GP consultation rates across the UK
                      o In week 3, overall weekly influenza-like illness (ILI) GP consultations increased slightly in Scotland (30.8 per 100,000),
                      and decreased in Northern Ireland (34.1 per 100,000) and Wales (16.9 per 100,000).
                      o The weekly ILI consultation rate through the GP In Hours Syndromic Surveillance system decreased from 21.3 to 15.4
                      per 100,000 in week 3.
                       Influenza-confirmed hospitalisations
                      o 71 new admissions to ICU/HDU with confirmed influenza (55 A unknown subtype, 8 A(H3N2), five influenza
                      A(H1N1)pdm09 and three influenza B) were reported through the USISS mandatory ICU/HDU surveillance scheme
                      across the UK (128 Trusts in England) in week 3, a rate of 0.16 per 100,000 compared to 0.25 per 100,000 the
                      previous week.
                      o 94 new hospitalised confirmed influenza cases (54 influenza A(H3N2), 35 A unknown subtype, three influenza
                      A(H1N1)pdm09 and two influenza B) were reported through the USISS sentinel hospital network across England (23
                      Trusts), a rate of 1.00 per 100,000 compared to 1.51 per 100,000 the previous week.
                       All-cause mortality data
                      o In week 3 2015, significant excess all-cause mortality by week of death was seen through the EuroMOMO algorithm in
                      England in 65+ year olds. In the devolved administrations, significant excess all-cause mortality was seen in week 3 in
                      Scotland and Wales, with no significant excess reported in Northern Ireland. Since week 40 2014, significant excess
                      mortality has been seen in England from week 50 to 3 2015, coinciding with circulating influenza.
                       Microbiological surveillance
                      o 63 samples were positive for influenza through the UK GP sentinel schemes in week 3 (51 A(H3) , three
                      A(H1N1)pdm09, six A(not subtyped) and three B, positivity of 29.2%), positivity of 29.2% compared to 37.2% the
                      previous week (updated)).
                      o In week 3 2015, 304 influenza positive detections were recorded through the DataMart scheme (215 A(H3), 71 A(not
                      subtyped), 11 influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 and 7 B), a positivity of 19.4% compared to 25.1% the previous week, with
                      the highest positivity by age group in 65+ year olds at 27.0%).
                      o The majority of influenza A(H3N2) viruses isolated and characterised by the PHE Respiratory Virus Unit were similar
                      to the Northern Hemisphere 2014/15 vaccine strain, however 17 (23%) showed reduced reactivity and were similar to
                      the H3N2 virus selected for the 2015 Southern Hemisphere influenza vaccine. PHE is continuing to monitor the
                      situation.
                       Vaccination
                      o Up to week 3 2015 in 92% of GP practices reporting weekly to Immform, the provisional proportion of people in
                      England who had received the 2014/15 influenza vaccine in targeted groups was as follows: 72.2% in 65+ year olds,
                      49.7% in under 65 years in a clinical risk group, 43.7% in pregnant women, 38.0% in all 2 year olds, 40.7% in all 3
                      year olds and 32.3% in all 4 year olds.
                      o Provisional data from the third monthly collection of influenza vaccine uptake by frontline healthcare workers show
                      52.6% were vaccinated by 31 December 2014 from 98.1% of Trusts.
                       International situation
                      o Globally, influenza activity continued to increase in the northern hemisphere with influenza A(H3N2) continuing to
                      dominate. In the European Region, the influenza season is clearly underway, mainly in western and northern
                      European countries, with influenza A(H3N2) viruses the predominant viruses detected across all surveillance systems
                      ...
                      -In week 3, 71 new admissions to ICU/HDU with confirmed influenza (55 A unknown subtype, 8 A(H3N2), five
                      influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 and three influenza B) were reported across the UK (128/156 Trusts in England)
                      through the USISS mandatory ICU scheme (Figures 5 and 6), a rate of 0.15 per 100,000 compared to 0.25 per
                      100,000 the previous week. Seven new confirmed influenza deaths were reported in week 3 2015. A total of 654
                      admissions (479 A unknown subtype, 130 A(H3N2), 30 A(H1N1)pdm09) and 15 B) and 59 confirmed influenza
                      deaths have been reported since week 40 2014.

                      ...
                      Twitter: @RonanKelly13
                      The views expressed are mine alone and do not represent the views of my employer or any other person or organization.

                      Comment


                      • #12
                        PHE Weekly National Influenza Report Summary of UK surveillance of influenza and other seasonal respiratory illnesses 29 January 2015 ? Week 5 report (up to week 4 data)


                        Summary
                        In week 4 2015 (ending 25 January), indicators of influenza activity decreased or were at similar levels to the previous week in England. Significant excess all-cause mortality continues to be seen in 65+ year olds, coinciding with circulating influenza and the recent cold snaps. The Department of Health alert issued on the prescription of antiviral medicines by GPs is still active. 

                        Community influenza surveillance
                        o In week 4 a number of syndromic surveillance indicators for respiratory symptoms in children <15 years old showed small increases, including NHS 111 calls, GP consultations and emergency department admissions.
                        o 51 new acute respiratory outbreaks were reported in the last seven days: 41 in care homes (16 A(untyped), 2 A(H3), 1 A(H1N1)pdm09, 1 RSV/A(untyped)/Rhinovirus, and the rest not tested/results not available yet), six in hospitals (3 A(untyped), 1 A(H3), 1 A(untyped)/B/RSV and 1 A (untyped)/Parainfluenza) and four in schools (not tested).

                         Overall weekly influenza GP consultation rates across the UK
                        o The weekly ILI consultation rate through both the GP In Hours Syndromic Surveillance system and RCGP scheme decreased in recent weeks.
                        o In week 3, overall weekly influenza-like illness (ILI) GP consultations decreased in Scotland (23.2 per 100,000), and Wales (12.5 per 100,000) and remained stable in Northern Ireland (34.6 per 100,000). 

                        Influenza-confirmed hospitalisations
                        o 60 new admissions to ICU/HDU with confirmed influenza (43 A unknown subtype, 10 A(H3N2), four influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 and three influenza B) were reported through the USISS mandatory ICU/HDU surveillance scheme across the UK (135 Trusts in England) in week 4, a rate of 0.13 per 100,000 compared to 0.17 per 100,000 the previous week.
                        o 63 new hospitalised confirmed influenza cases (39 influenza A(H3N2), 22 A unknown subtype and two influenza B) were reported through the USISS sentinel hospital network across England (21 Trusts), a rate of 0.79 per 100,000 compared to 0.97 per 100,000 the previous week.

                         All-cause mortality data
                        o In week 4 2015, significant excess all-cause mortality by week of death was seen through the EuroMOMO algorithm in England in 65+ year olds. In the devolved administrations in week 4, significant excess all-cause mortality was seen in Wales, with no significant excess reported in Scotland and Northern Ireland. Since week 40 2014, significant excess mortality has been seen in England from week 50 to 4 2015, coinciding with circulating influenza and the recent cold snaps.

                         Microbiological surveillance
                        o 47 samples were positive for influenza through the UK GP sentinel schemes in week 4 (22 A(H3), two A(H1N1)pdm09, 20 A(not subtyped) and two B, positivity of 28.8% compared to 27.0% the previous week (updated)).
                        o In week 4 2015, 200 influenza positive detections were recorded through the DataMart scheme (178 A(H3), 17 A(not subtyped), 5 influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 and 7 B), a positivity of 16.9% compared to 19.2% the previous week, with the highest positivity by age group remaining in 65+ year olds at 24.1%).
                        o The majority of influenza A(H3N2) viruses isolated and characterised by the PHE Respiratory Virus Unit were antigenically similar to the Northern Hemisphere 2014/15 vaccine strain, however 27 (21%) showed reduced reactivity and were similar to the H3N2 virus selected for the 2015 Southern Hemisphere influenza vaccine. PHE is continuing to monitor the situation.

                         Vaccination
                        o Up to week 4 2015 in 92% of GP practices reporting weekly to Immform, the provisional proportion of people in England who had received the 2014/15 influenza vaccine in targeted groups was as follows: 72.5% in 65+ year olds, 50.1% in under 65 years in a clinical risk group, 43.9% in pregnant women, 38.3% in all 2 year olds, 41.1% in all 3 year olds and 32.6% in all 4 year olds. This is the last week of reporting for weekly uptake data.
                        o Provisional data from the third monthly collection of influenza vaccine uptake by frontline healthcare workers show 52.6% were vaccinated by 31 December 2014 from 98.1% of Trusts.

                         International situation
                        o Globally influenza activity was high in the northern hemisphere with influenza A(H3N2) viruses predominating so far this season. In the European Region, the influenza season is well underway, in particular in western and northern European countries, with influenza A(H3N2) the predominant virus detected across all surveillance systems.
                        ...
                        -In week 4, 60 new admissions to ICU/HDU with confirmed influenza (43 A unknown subtype, 10 A(H3N2), four influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 and three influenza B) were reported across the UK (135/156 Trusts in England) through the USISS mandatory ICU scheme (Figures 6 and 7), a rate of 0.13 per 100,000 compared to 0.17 per 100,000 the previous week. Three new confirmed influenza deaths were reported in week 4 2015. A total of 741 admissions (533 A unknown subtype, 153 A(H3N2), 36 A(H1N1)pdm09) and 19 B) and 66 confirmed influenza deaths have been reported since week 40 2014.
                        ...
                        Twitter: @RonanKelly13
                        The views expressed are mine alone and do not represent the views of my employer or any other person or organization.

                        Comment


                        • #13
                          Death rate running third higher - ONS

                          The current death rate in England and Wales is running about one-third higher than its normal rate for this time of year, official statistics show.

                          In the two weeks ending on 23 January, 28,000 people died, the Office for National Statistics figures show.

                          Over the previous five years, the average number of deaths for the same period stood at about 21,000.

                          Experts say flu could be the driving force, as this winter's prevalent strain particularly hits the elderly.
                          ...
                          The current death rate in England and Wales is running about one-third higher than is normal for this time of year, official statistics show.


                          Weekly Provisional Figures on Deaths Registered in England and Wales, Week Ending 23/01/2015
                          http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/publicatio...cm%3A77-353155
                          Twitter: @RonanKelly13
                          The views expressed are mine alone and do not represent the views of my employer or any other person or organization.

                          Comment


                          • #14
                            PHE Weekly National Influenza Report
                            Summary of UK surveillance of influenza and other seasonal respiratory
                            illnesses
                            5 February 2015 ? Week 6 report (up to week 5 data)


                            Summary

                            In week 5 2015 (ending 1 February), indicators of influenza activity decreased or were at similar levels to the previous week in England. Significant excess all-cause mortality continues to be seen in 65+ year olds, coinciding with circulating influenza and the recent cold snaps. The Department of Health alert issued on the prescription of antiviral medicines by GPs is still active.

                             Community influenza surveillance
                            o In week 5 the majority of syndromic indicators for respiratory symptoms were stable.
                            o 37 new acute respiratory outbreaks have been reported in the past seven days, 25 in care homes (10 flu A(untyped), four flu A(H3), one flu A(H1N1)pdm09, and ten not tested/results not available yet), six in hospitals (three flu A(H3), two flu A(untyped), one mixed infection flu A (untyped)/rhinovirus)), five in schools (two flu A(untyped), one paraflu and two not tested) and one in an immigration removal centre (mixed infection of flu A(untyped) and flu B).

                            Overall weekly influenza GP consultation rates across the UK
                            o The weekly ILI consultation rate through the GP In Hours Syndromic Surveillance system was stable in week 5.
                            o In week 5, overall weekly influenza-like illness (ILI) GP consultations decreased in Scotland (18.5 per 100,000), remained stable in Wales (12.3 per 100,000) and increased in Northern Ireland (47.6 per 100,00)

                             Influenza-confirmed hospitalisations
                            o 35 new admissions to ICU/HDU with confirmed influenza (24 A unknown subtype, eight A(H3N2), one influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 and two B) were reported through the USISS mandatory ICU/HDU surveillance scheme across the UK (124 Trusts in England) in week 5, a rate of 0.08 per 100,000 compared to 0.15 per 100,000 the previous week.
                            o 56 new hospitalised confirmed influenza cases (26 influenza A(H3N2), 25 A unknown subtype, three influenza B and two influenza A(H1N1)pdm09) were reported through the USISS sentinel hospital network across England (21 Trusts), a rate of 0.79 per 100,000 compared to 0.97 per 100,000 the previous week.

                             All-cause mortality data
                            o In week 5 2015, significant excess all-cause mortality by week of death was seen through the EuroMOMO algorithm in England in 65+ year olds and under five year olds. In the devolved administrations in week 5, significant excess all-cause mortality was seen in Wales and Northern Ireland, with no significant excess reported in Scotland. Since week 40 2014, significant excess mortality has been seen in England from week 50 to 5 2015, coinciding with circulating influenza and the recent cold snaps.

                             Microbiological surveillance
                            o 76 samples were positive for influenza through the UK GP sentinel schemes (52 A(H3), five A(H1N1)pdm09, 10 A(not subtyped) and nine B, positivity of 44.7% compared to 35.2% the previous week (updated)).
                            o In week 5 2015, 220 influenza positive detections were recorded through the DataMart scheme (165 A(H3), 30 A(not subtyped), 11 influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 and 14 B, a positivity of 18.2% compared to 16.5% the previous week, with a notable increase seen in 5-14 year olds from 13.2% to 22.9%.
                            o Characterisation of influenza A(H3N2) viruses by the PHE Respiratory Virus Unit indicates that a proportion of the viruses circulating this season are distinguishable from the Northern Hemisphere 2014/15 vaccine strain and are similar to the H3N2 virus selected for the 2015 Southern Hemisphere influenza vaccine.

                             Vaccination
                            o Up to week 4 2015 in 92% of GP practices reporting weekly to Immform, the provisional proportion of people in England who had received the 2014/15 influenza vaccine in targeted groups was as follows: 72.5% in 65+ year olds, 50.1% in under 65 years in a clinical risk group, 43.9% in pregnant women, 38.3% in all 2 year olds, 41.1% in all 3 year olds and 32.6% in all 4 year olds. This is the last week of reporting for weekly uptake data.
                            o Provisional data from the third monthly collection of influenza vaccine uptake by frontline healthcare workers show 52.6% were vaccinated by 31 December 2014 from 98.1% of Trusts.

                             International situation
                            o Globally influenza activity remained elevated in the northern hemisphere with influenza A(H3N2) viruses predominating. In the European Region, the influenza season is well underway, particularly in western and central European countries.
                            ...

                            In week 5, 35 new admissions to ICU/HDU with confirmed influenza (24 A unknown subtype, eight A(H3N2), one influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 and two B) were reported across the UK (124/156 Trusts in England) through the USISS mandatory ICU scheme (Figures 6 and 7), a rate of 0.08 per 100,000 compared to 0.15 per 100,000 the previous week. Three new confirmed influenza deaths were reported in week 5 2015. A total of 796 admissions (567 A unknown subtype, 168 A(H3N2), 39 A(H1N1)pdm09) and 22 B) and 76 confirmed influenza deaths have been reported since week 40 2014.
                            ...


                            Twitter: @RonanKelly13
                            The views expressed are mine alone and do not represent the views of my employer or any other person or organization.

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                            • #15
                              PHE Weekly National Influenza Report
                              Summary of UK surveillance of influenza and other seasonal respiratory illnesses
                              12 February 2015 ? Week 7 report (up to week 6 data)


                              Summary
                              In week 6 2015 (ending 8 February), influenza activity decreased across most indicators compared to the previous week in England. Significant excess all-cause mortality continues to be seen in 65+ year olds, coinciding with circulating influenza and cold snaps. The Department of Health alert issued on the prescription of antiviral medicines by GPs is still active.

                               Community influenza surveillance o In week 6 the majority of syndromic indicators for respiratory symptoms were stable.
                              o 34 new acute respiratory outbreaks have been reported in the past seven days, 30 in care homes (six flu A(untyped), one flu A(H3), one mixed infection with flu A(H3) and adenovirus, and the rest not tested/results not available yet), three in hospitals (two flu A(untyped) and one not tested), one in a school (flu A (untyped)).

                               Overall weekly influenza GP consultation rates across the UK
                              o The weekly ILI consultation rate through the GP In Hours Syndromic Surveillance system was stable in week 6.
                              o In week 5, overall weekly influenza-like illness (ILI) GP consultations increased in Scotland (26.0 per 100,000) , decreased in Northern Ireland (41.4 per 100,000) and remained stable in Wales (12.6 per 100,000)

                               Influenza-confirmed hospitalisations
                              o 26 new admissions to ICU/HDU with confirmed influenza (17 A unknown subtype, six A(H3N2), one influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 and two B) were reported through the USISS mandatory ICU/HDU surveillance scheme across the UK (125 Trusts in England) in week 6, a rate of 0.05 per 100,000 compared to 0.08 per 100,000 the previous week.
                              o 41 new hospitalised confirmed influenza cases (22 influenza A(H3N2), 16 A unknown subtype and three influenza A(H1N1)pdm09) were reported through the USISS sentinel hospital network across England (21 Trusts), a rate of 0.50 per 100,000 compared to 0.75 per 100,000 the previous week.

                               All-cause mortality data
                              o In week 6 2015, significant excess all-cause mortality by week of death was seen through the EuroMOMO algorithm in England in 65+ year olds. In the devolved administrations in week 6, significant excess all-cause mortality was seen in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Since week 40 2014, significant excess mortality has been seen in England from week 50 to 6 2015, coinciding with circulating influenza and cold snaps.

                               Microbiological surveillance o 31 samples were positive for influenza through the UK GP sentinel schemes (18 A(H3), four A(H1N1)pdm09, two A(not subtyped) and seven B, positivity of 28.7% compared to 41.2% the previous week (updated)).
                              o In week 6 2015, 117 influenza positive detections were recorded through the DataMart scheme (79 A(H3), 19 A(not subtyped), six influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 and 13 B, a positivity of 11.3% compared to 18.6% the previous week, with the highest levels seen in 65+ year olds (16.5%).
                              o Characterisation of influenza A(H3N2) viruses by the PHE Respiratory Virus Unit indicates that a proportion of the viruses circulating this season are distinguishable from the Northern Hemisphere 2014/15 vaccine strain and are similar to the H3N2 virus selected for the 2015 Southern Hemisphere influenza vaccine.

                               Vaccination
                              o Up to week 4 2015 in 92% of GP practices reporting weekly to Immform, the provisional proportion of people in England who had received the 2014/15 influenza vaccine in targeted groups was as follows: 72.5% in 65+ year olds, 50.1% in under 65 years in a clinical risk group, 43.9% in pregnant women, 38.3% in all 2 year olds, 41.1% in all 3 year olds and 32.6% in all 4 year olds. This is the last week of reporting for weekly uptake data.
                              o Provisional data from the third monthly collection of influenza vaccine uptake by frontline healthcare workers show 52.6% were vaccinated by 31 December 2014 from 98.1% of Trusts.
                              o PHE have published their mid-season flu vaccine effectiveness estimate.

                               International situation o Globally influenza activity remained high in the northern hemisphere with influenza A(H3N2) viruses predominating. In the European Region, the influenza season is well underway, particularly in western and central European countries.
                              ...
                              -In week 6, 26 new admissions to ICU/HDU with confirmed influenza (17 A unknown subtype, six A(H3N2), one
                              influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 and two B) were reported across the UK (125/156 Trusts in England) through the
                              USISS mandatory ICU scheme (Figures 6 and 7), a rate of 0.05 per 100,000 compared to 0.08 per 100,000 the
                              previous week. Two new confirmed influenza deaths were reported in week 6 2015. A total of 833 admissions
                              (589 A unknown subtype, 179 A(H3N2), 41 A(H1N1)pdm09) and 24 B) and 81 confirmed influenza deaths have
                              been reported since week 40 2014.
                              ...


                              Twitter: @RonanKelly13
                              The views expressed are mine alone and do not represent the views of my employer or any other person or organization.

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