United Kingdom - 2014-2015 Influenza Surveillance Reports

[Ronan Kelly]

PHE Weekly National Influenza Report
Summary of UK surveillance of influenza and other seasonal respiratory
illnesses
19 February 2015 ? Week 8 report (up to week 7 data)

https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/405522/Weekly_report_current_week_8.pdf

Summary
In week 7 2015 (ending 15 February), influenza continues to circulate with activity levels generally similar to last week. Significant excess all-cause mortality has been seen mainly in 65+ year olds, with suggestion impact is now decreasing. The Department of Health alert issued on the prescription of antiviral medicines by GPs is still active.

 Community influenza surveillance
o In week 7 the majority of syndromic indicators for respiratory symptoms were stable.
o 27 new acute respiratory outbreaks have been reported in the past seven days, 25 in care homes (seven flu A(untyped), four flu A(H3) and the rest not tested/results not available yet), one in a school (not tested) and one in another setting (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 increased in week 7.
o In week 7, overall weekly influenza-like illness (ILI) GP consultations increased in Scotland (45.4 per 100,000) , Northern Ireland (58.3 per 100,000) and Wales (15.6 per 100,000)

 Influenza-confirmed hospitalisations
o 48 new admissions to ICU/HDU with confirmed influenza (24 A unknown subtype, 13 A(H3N2), three influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 and eight B) were reported through the USISS mandatory ICU/HDU surveillance scheme across the UK (122 Trusts in England) in week 7, a rate of 0.08 compared to 0.06 per 100,000 the previous week.
o 44 new hospitalised confirmed influenza cases (17 influenza A(H3N2), 14 influenza B, nine A unknown subtype and four influenza A(H1N1)pdm09) were reported through the USISS sentinel hospital network across England (23 Trusts), a rate of 0.52 compared to 0.65 per 100,000 the previous week.

 All-cause mortality data
o In week 7 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 7, significant excess all-cause mortality was also seen in Northern Ireland. Since week 40 2014, significant excess mortality has been seen in England from week 50 2014 onwards, coinciding with circulating influenza and cold snaps, with suggestions impact is now decreasing.

 Microbiological surveillance
o 69 samples were positive for influenza through the UK GP sentinel schemes (40 A(H3), five A(H1N1)pdm09, 11 A(not subtyped) and 13 B, positivity of 40.1% compared to 31.3% the previous week (updated)).
o In week 7 2015,159 influenza positive detections were recorded through the DataMart scheme (107 A(H3), 16 A(not subtyped), 13 influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 and 23 B, a positivity of 15.1% compared to 12.4% the previous week, with the highest levels seen in 65+ year olds (21.4%).
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 fourth monthly collection of influenza vaccine uptake by frontline healthcare workers show 54.6% were vaccinated by 31 January 2015 from 100.0% 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 7, 48 new admissions to ICU/HDU with confirmed influenza (24 A unknown subtype, 13 A(H3N2), three
influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 and eight B) were reported across the UK (122/156 Trusts in England) through the
USISS mandatory ICU scheme (Figures 6 and 7), a rate of 0.08 per 100,000 compared to 0.06 per 100,000 the
previous week. Six new confirmed influenza deaths were reported in week 7 2015. A total of 893 admissions
(619 A unknown subtype, 192 A(H3N2), 48 A(H1N1)pdm09) and 34 B) and 89 confirmed influenza deaths have
been reported since week 40 2014.
...

[Ronan Kelly]

PHE Weekly National Influenza Report
Summary of UK surveillance of influenza and other seasonal respiratory
illnesses
26 February 2015 ? Week 9 report (up to week 8 data)

https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/407889/Weekly_report_current_26February2015_updated.pdf

Summary:
In week 8 2015 (ending 22 February), influenza continues to circulate with activity levels generally similar to last
week. Significant excess all-cause mortality has been seen mainly in 65+ year olds, with suggestion that it is now
decreasing. The Department of Health alert issued on the prescription of antiviral medicines by GPs is still active.
 Community influenza surveillance
o In week 8 the syndromic indicators for respiratory symptoms were stable or decreased.
o 33 new acute respiratory outbreaks have been reported in the past seven days, 30 in care homes (eight flu
A(untyped), five flu A(H3), two Flu B, two hMPV and the rest not tested/results not available yet), and three in
hospitals (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 remained stable in
week 8.
o In week 8, overall weekly influenza-like illness (ILI) GP consultations decreased in Scotland (29.2 per 100,000)
and Northern Ireland (54.8 per 100,000) and remained stable in Wales (12.3 per 100,000).
 Influenza-confirmed hospitalisations
o 46 new admissions to ICU/HDU with confirmed influenza (20 A unknown subtype, 10 A(H3N2), four influenza
A(H1N1)pdm09 and 12 B) were reported through the USISS mandatory ICU/HDU surveillance scheme across
the UK (124 Trusts in England) in week 8, a rate of 0.10 compared to 0.11 per 100,000 the previous week.
o 42 new hospitalised confirmed influenza cases (10 influenza A(H3N2), 13 influenza B, 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 0.53 compared to 0.54 per 100,000 the previous week.
 All-cause mortality data
o In week 8 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 8, significant excess all-cause
mortality was also seen in Northern Ireland, but not in Scotland or Wales. Since week 40 2014, significant
excess mortality has been seen in England from week 50 2014 onwards, coinciding with circulating influenza
and cold snaps, with suggestions impact is now decreasing.
 Microbiological surveillance
o 38 samples were positive for influenza through the UK GP sentinel schemes (17 A(H3), two A(H1N1)pdm09,
nine A(not subtyped) and 10 B, positivity of 30.0% compared to 40.1% the previous week .
o In week 8 2015,170 influenza positive detections were recorded through the DataMart scheme (110 A(H3), 17
A(not subtyped), 16 influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 and 27 B, a positivity of 13.2% compared to 15.1% the previous
week, with the highest levels seen in 65+ year olds (19.3%).
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 fourth monthly collection of influenza vaccine uptake by frontline healthcare workers
show 54.6% were vaccinated by 31 January 2015 from 100.0% 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 8, 46 new admissions to ICU/HDU with confirmed influenza (20 A unknown subtype, 10 A(H3N2), four
influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 and 12 B) were reported across the UK (124/156 Trusts in England) through the
USISS mandatory ICU scheme (Figures 6 and 7), a rate of 0.10 per 100,000 compared to 0.11 per 100,000 the
previous week. Eight new confirmed influenza deaths were reported in week 8 2015. A total of 964 admissions
(652 A unknown subtype, 206 A(H3N2), 55 A(H1N1)pdm09) and 51 B) and 100 confirmed influenza deaths have
been reported since week 40 2014.
...

[Ronan Kelly]

PHE Weekly National Influenza Report Summary of UK surveillance of influenza and other seasonal respiratory illnesses 05 March 2015 ? Week 10 report (up to week 9 data)

https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/409640/Weekly_report_current_wk9_5Mar2015.pdf

Summary
In week 9 2015 (ending 1 March), indicators of influenza activity generally remain at similar or lower levels compared to last week, although influenza B activity appears to be increasing. The Department of Health alert issued on the prescription of antiviral medicines by GPs is still active.

 Community influenza surveillance
o In week 9 the syndromic indicators for respiratory symptoms were stable.
o 34 new acute respiratory outbreaks have been reported in the past seven days, 28 in care homes (8 flu A(untyped), 6 flu A(H3), 4 flu B, and the rest not tested/results not available yet), five in hospitals (2 flu A(untyped), 1 flu B, 1 mixed infection with flu A (untyped) and flu B and 1 not tested/results not available yet) and one in other setting (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 remained stable in week 9.
o In week 9, overall weekly influenza-like illness (ILI) GP consultations decreased in Scotland (26.7 per 100,000) and Northern Ireland (51.0 per 100,000) and remained stable in Wales (12.5 per 100,000).

 Influenza-confirmed hospitalisations
o 33 new admissions to ICU/HDU with confirmed influenza (13 A unknown subtype, seven A(H3N2), seven influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 and six B) were reported through the USISS mandatory ICU/HDU surveillance scheme across the UK (124 Trusts in England) in week 9, a rate of 0.07 compared to 0.10 per 100,000 the previous week.
o 20 new hospitalised confirmed influenza cases (seven influenza B, five influenza A(H3N2) and five A unknown subtype and three influenza A(H1N1)pdm09) were reported through the USISS sentinel hospital network across England (18 Trusts), a rate of 0.36 compared to 0.51 per 100,000 the previous week.

 All-cause mortality data
o In week 9 2015, significant excess all-cause mortality by week of death was seen through the EuroMOMO algorithm in England in 65+ year olds, though this is now just above the significance threshold. No significant excess was seen for all ages in England and across the devolved administrations in week 9. Since week 40 2014, significant excess mortality has been observed between week 50 2014 and week 9 2015 predominantly in 65+ year olds, peaking in week 2 2015. This period coincides with circulating influenza and cold snaps.

 Microbiological surveillance
o 22 samples were positive for influenza through the English GP sentinel schemes (seven A(H3), three A(H1N1)pdm09 and 10 B) with a positivity of 42.3% compared to 25.7% the previous week .
o In week 8 2015, out of the 1046 respiratory specimens reported through the Respiratory DataMart System, 137 samples (13.1%) were positive for influenza (54 A(H3), 19 A(not subtyped), 14 influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 and 50 B). The highest rate was observed in 65+ years (14.0%).
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 the end of January 2015, the provisional proportion of people in England who had received the 2014/15 influenza vaccine in targeted groups was 50.3% in under 65 years in a clinical risk group, 44.1% in pregnant women, 72.8% in 65+ year olds, 38.5% in all 2 year olds, 41.3% in all 3 year olds and 32.9% in all 4 year olds
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 fourth monthly collection of influenza vaccine uptake by frontline healthcare workers show 54.6% were vaccinated by 31 January 2015 from 100.0% of Trusts.
o WHO have published their recommendations for the composition of the 2015/16 northern hemisphere influenza vaccine.

 International situation
o Globally influenza activity remained high in the northern hemisphere with influenza A(H3N2) viruses predominating. In the European Region, increased influenza activity continues, particularly in western and central European countries.
...
 Number of new admissions and fatal confirmed influenza cases in ICU/HDU (USISS mandatory ICU
scheme), UK (week 9)
-In week 9, 33 new admissions to ICU/HDU with confirmed influenza (13 A unknown subtype, seven A(H3N2),
seven influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 and six B) were reported across the UK (124/156 Trusts in England) through
the USISS mandatory ICU scheme (Figures 6 and 7), a rate of 0.07 per 100,000 compared to 0.10 per 100,000
the previous week. One new confirmed influenza death was reported in week 9 2015. A total of 1,014
admissions (668 A unknown subtype, 227 A(H3N2), 62 A(H1N1)pdm09) and 57 B) and 102 confirmed influenza
deaths have been reported since week 40 2014.
...

[Ronan Kelly]

PHE Weekly National Influenza Report
Summary of UK surveillance of influenza and other seasonal respiratory
illnesses
12 March 2015 – Week 11 report (up to week 10 data)
https://www.gov.uk/government/upload...2March2015.pdf

Summary

In week 10 2015 (ending 8 March), indicators of influenza activity generally were at lower levels compared to last week. The Department of Health alert issued on the prescription of antiviral medicines by GPs is still active.

 Community influenza surveillance
o In week 10 the syndromic indicators for respiratory symptoms were stable.
o Eight new acute respiratory outbreaks have been reported in the past seven days, seven in care homes (four flu A(untyped), four flu A(H3)/RSV and two not tested/results not available yet) and one in a hospital (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 remained stable in week 10.
o In week 10, overall weekly influenza-like illness (ILI) GP consultations decreased in Wales (7.0 per 100,000), Scotland (21.7 per 100,000) and Northern Ireland (40.7 per 100,000).

 Influenza-confirmed hospitalisations
o 26 new admissions to ICU/HDU with confirmed influenza (14 influenza A(H1N1)pdm09, nine B, two influenza A unknown subtype and one influenza A(H3N2) were reported through the USISS mandatory ICU/HDU surveillance scheme across the UK (124 Trusts in England) in week 9, a rate of 0.07 compared to 0.12 per 100,000 the previous week.
o 21 new hospitalised confirmed influenza cases (13 influenza B, four influenza A(H3N2), two influenza A(H1N1pdm09) and two influenza A/unknown) were reported through the USISS sentinel hospital network across England (18 Trusts), a rate of 0.25 compared to 0.65 per 100,000 the previous week.
 All-cause mortality data
o In week 10 2015, significant excess all-cause mortality by week of death was seen through the EuroMOMO algorithm in England in 65+ year olds, though this is now just above the significance threshold. No significant excess was seen for all ages across the devolved administrations in week 9. Since week 40 2014, significant excess mortality has been observed in England between week 50 2014 and week 10 2015 predominantly in 65+ year olds, peaking in week 2 2015. This period coincides with circulating influenza and cold snaps.

 Microbiological surveillance
o Nine samples were positive for influenza through the English GP sentinel schemes (five B, two A(H3) and two A(H1N1)pdm09) with a positivity of 24.3% compared to 36.2% the previous week .
o 110 influenza positive detections were recorded through the DataMart scheme (38 A(H3), 13 A(not subtyped), 13 influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 and 46 B, positivity of 10.5% compared to 13.5% the previous week) with the highest positivity seen in 65+ year olds.
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 the end of January 2015, the provisional proportion of people in England who had received the 2014/15 influenza vaccine in targeted groups was 50.3% in under 65 years in a clinical risk group, 44.1% in pregnant women, 72.8% in 65+ year olds, 38.5% in all 2 year olds, 41.3% in all 3 year olds and 32.9% in all 4 year olds.
o Provisional data from the fourth monthly collection of influenza vaccine uptake by frontline healthcare workers show 54.6% were vaccinated by 31 January 2015 from 100.0% of Trusts.
o WHO have published their recommendations for the composition of the 2015/16 northern hemisphere influenza vaccine.

 International situation
o Globally, influenza activity remained high in the northern hemisphere with influenza A(H3N2) viruses predominating. Some countries in Africa, Asia and southern part of Europe reported an increased influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 activity. In the European Region, influenza activity continues to increase in eastern and central countries, but is decreasing in western countries.
...
-In week 10, 26 new admissions to ICU/HDU with confirmed influenza (14 A unknown subtype, nine B, two influenza A unknown subtype and one influenza A(H3N2)) were reported across the UK (133/156 Trusts in England) through the USISS mandatory ICU scheme (Figures 6 and 7), a rate of 0.07 per 100,000 compared to 0.12 per 100,000 the previous week. Five new confirmed influenza deaths were reported in week 10 2015. A total of 1,079 admissions (685 A unknown subtype, 237 A(H3N2), 80 A(H1N1)pdm09) and 77 B) and 108 confirmed influenza deaths have been reported since week 40 2014.

[Ronan Kelly]

PHE Weekly National Influenza Report
Summary of UK surveillance of influenza and other seasonal respiratory
illnesses
19 March 2015 ? Week 12 report (up to week 11 data)

https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/414601/Weekly_report_current_wk12_19March2015.pdf

Summary:

In week 11 2015 (ending 15 March), indicators of influenza activity generally were at similar levels compared to the previous week, although influenza B activity appears to be increasing. The Department of Health alert issued on the prescription of antiviral medicines by GPs is still active.

 Community influenza surveillance
o In week 11 syndromic indicators for respiratory symptoms remained stable. 14 new acute respiratory outbreaks have been reported in the past seven days, 11 in care homes (four flu A(untyped), one flu B and the rest not tested/results not available yet) and three in hospitals (one flu A(untyped), one RSV and one not tested).

 Overall weekly influenza GP consultation rates across the UK
o The weekly ILI consultation rate for the GP In Hours Syndromic Surveillance system remained stable in week 11.
o In week 11, overall weekly influenza-like illness (ILI) GP consultations remained stable in Wales (6.2 per 100,000) and decreased in Scotland (18.7 per 100,000) and Northern Ireland (26.3 per 100,000).

 Influenza-confirmed hospitalisations
o 30 new admissions to ICU/HDU with confirmed influenza (16 influenza B, eight influenza A(H1N1)pdm09, four influenza A unknown subtype and two influenza A(H3N2)) were reported through the USISS mandatory ICU/HDU surveillance scheme across the UK (129 Trusts in England) in week 11, a rate of 0.07 compared to 0.07 per 100,000 the previous week.
o 42 new hospitalised confirmed influenza cases (31 influenza B, six influenza A(H3N2), three influenza A(H1N1pdm09) and two influenza A/unknown) were reported through the USISS sentinel hospital network across England (19 Trusts), a rate of 0.41 compared to 0.38 per 100,000 the previous week.

 All-cause mortality data
o In week 11 2015, significant excess all-cause mortality by week of death was seen through the EuroMOMO algorithm in England in 65+ year olds, though this is now just above the significance threshold. Across the devolved administrations, significant excess was seen in week 11 in Northern Ireland. Since week 40 2014, significant excess mortality has been observed in England between week 50 2014 and week 11 2015 predominantly in 65+ year olds, peaking in week 2 2015. This period coincides with circulating influenza and cold snaps.

 Microbiological surveillance
o 18 samples were positive for influenza through the English GP sentinel schemes (12 B, four A(H3N2) and two A(H1N1)pdm09)) with a positivity of 42.9% compared to 30.6% the previous week .
o 113 influenza positive detections were recorded through the DataMart scheme (73 B, 22 A(H3), 11 A(not subtyped) and seven influenza A(H1N1)pdm09, positivity of 12.2% compared to 10.9% previous week) with the highest positivity seen in 45-64 year olds (19.2%).
o Characterisation of influenza B 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 influenza B virus selected for the 2015/16 Northern Hemisphere influenza vaccine.

 Vaccination
o Up to the end of January 2015, the provisional proportion of people in England who had received the 2014/15 influenza vaccine in targeted groups was 50.3% in under 65 years in a clinical risk group, 44.1% in pregnant women, 72.8% in 65+ year olds, 38.5% in all 2 year olds, 41.3% in all 3 year olds and 32.9% in all 4 year olds.
o Provisional data from the fifth monthly collection of influenza vaccine uptake by frontline healthcare workers show 54.9% were vaccinated by 28 February 2015 from 100.0% of Trusts.
o WHO have published their recommendations for the composition of the 2015/16 northern hemisphere influenza vaccine.

 International situation
o Globally, influenza activity remains elevated in the northern hemisphere with increasing proportions of type B viruses. Some countries in Africa, Asia and southern part of Europe reported an increased influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 activity. In the European Region, influenza activity appears to have passed its peak in most countries.
...
In week 11, 30 new admissions to ICU/HDU with confirmed influenza (16 influenza B, eight influenza
A(H1N1)pdm09, four influenza A unknown subtype and two influenza A(H3N2)) were reported across the UK
(129/156 Trusts in England) through the USISS mandatory ICU scheme (Figures 6 and 7), a rate of 0.07 per
100,000 compared to 0.07 per 100,000 the previous week. Four new confirmed influenza deaths were reported
in week 11 2015. A total of 1,126 admissions (691 A unknown subtype, 245 A(H3N2), 94 A(H1N1)pdm09) and
96 B) and 112 confirmed influenza deaths have been reported since week 40 2014.
...

[Ronan Kelly]

PHE Weekly National Influenza Report
Summary of UK surveillance of influenza and other seasonal respiratory
illnesses
26 March 2015 ? Week 13 report (up to week 12 data)

https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/417652/Weekly_report_current_wk13_26March2015.pdf

Summary:
In week 12 2015 (ending 22 March), influenza B was the predominant flu virus circulating, with indicators of influenza
activity generally at low levels. The Department of Health alert issued on the prescription of antiviral medicines by GPs
is still active.
 Community influenza surveillance
o In week 12 there were small increases in GP consultations for URTI, acute respiratory infection and NHS 111 cough
calls. These increases coincide with current influenza B activity.
o 15 new acute respiratory outbreaks have been reported in the past seven days, 12 in care homes (one flu A(H3), two
flu A(untyped), four flu B, two parainfluenza and the rest not tested/results not available yet), two in hospitals (one flu
A(untyped) and one hMPV), and one in a school (not tested).
 Overall weekly influenza GP consultation rates across the UK
o The weekly ILI consultation rate for the GP In Hours Syndromic Surveillance system remained stable in week 12 at 12.0
per 100,000.
o In week 12, overall weekly influenza-like illness (ILI) GP consultations remained stable in Wales (6.2 per 100,000) and
decreased slightly in Scotland (16.8 per 100,000) and Northern Ireland (23.5 per 100,000).
 Influenza-confirmed hospitalisations
o 31 new admissions to ICU/HDU with confirmed influenza (18 influenza B, 11 influenza A unknown subtype and two
influenza A(H1N1)pdm09) were reported through the USISS mandatory ICU/HDU surveillance scheme across the UK
(135 Trusts in England) in week 12, a rate of 0.06 compared to 0.10 per 100,000 the previous week.
o 41 new hospitalised confirmed influenza cases (30 influenza B, four influenza A(H3N2), four influenza A/unknown and
three influenza A(H1N1pdm09))were reported through the USISS sentinel hospital network across England (23 Trusts),
a rate of 0.47 compared to 0.43 per 100,000 the previous week.
 All-cause mortality data
o In week 12 2015, statistically significant excess all-cause mortality by week of death was seen through the EuroMOMO
algorithm in England in 65+ year olds, though this is just above the significance threshold. Across the devolved
administrations, significant excess was seen in week 12 in Northern Ireland. Since week 40 2014, significant excess
mortality has been observed in England in weeks 50-7 and 12 2015 predominantly in 65+ year olds, peaking in week 2
2015. This period coincides with circulating influenza and cold snaps.
 Microbiological surveillance
o 25 samples were positive for influenza through the English GP sentinel schemes (15 B, eight A(H1N1)pdm09 and two
A(H3N2))) with a positivity of 51.0% compared to 40.0% the previous week .
o 91 influenza positive detections were recorded through the DataMart scheme (58 B, 17 A(H3), six A(not subtyped) and
10 influenza A(H1N1)pdm09, positivity of 10.3% compared to 12.4% previous week) with the highest positivity seen in
5-14 year olds (30.2%).
o Characterisation of influenza B 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
influenza B virus selected for the 2015/16 Northern Hemisphere influenza vaccine.
 Vaccination
o Up to the end of January 2015, the provisional proportion of people in England who had received the 2014/15 influenza
vaccine in targeted groups was 50.3% in under 65 years in a clinical risk group, 44.1% in pregnant women, 72.8% in
65+ year olds, 38.5% in all 2 year olds, 41.3% in all 3 year olds and 32.9% in all 4 year olds.
o Provisional data from the fifth monthly collection of influenza vaccine uptake by frontline healthcare workers show
54.9% were vaccinated by 28 February 2015 from 100.0% of Trusts.
o WHO have published their recommendations for the composition of the 2015/16 northern hemisphere influenza
vaccine.
 International situation
o Globally, influenza activity remained elevated in the northern hemisphere. Influenza A(H3N2) viruses predominate,
although the proportion of influenza B viruses are increasing and some countries in Asia, Europe and North Africa
reported high levels of activity associated with influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 viruses. In the European Region, influenza
activity appears to have passed its peak in most countries.
...
-In week 12, 31 new admissions to ICU/HDU with confirmed influenza (18 influenza B, 11 influenza A unknown subtype and two influenza A(H1N1)pdm09) were reported across the UK (135/156 Trusts in England) through the USISS mandatory ICU scheme (Figures 6 and 7), a rate of 0.06 per 100,000 compared to 0.10 per 100,000 the previous week. Three new confirmed influenza deaths were reported in week 12 2015. A total of 1,189 admissions (711 A unknown subtype, 251 A(H3N2), 103 A(H1N1)pdm09) and 124 B) and 118 confirmed influenza deaths have been reported since week 40 2014.
...

[Ronan Kelly]

PHE Weekly National Influenza Report
Summary of UK surveillance of influenza and other seasonal
respiratory illnesses
2 April 2015 ? Week 14 report (up to week 13 data)

https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/420433/Weekly_report_current_wk14_02April2015.pdf

In week 13 2015 (ending 29 March), influenza B was the predominant flu virus circulating, with indicators of
influenza activity generally at low levels. The Department of Health alert issued on the prescription of antiviral
medicines by GPs is still active.
 Community influenza surveillance
o In week 13 respiratory syndromic indicators were at similar levels compared to the previous week.
o 14 new acute respiratory outbreaks have been reported in the past seven days: four in care homes (one flu
A(untyped), two flu B and one not tested); three in hospitals (one flu B and the other two not tested/results not
available yet); six in schools (1 flu A(untyped) and others not tested) and one in a nursery (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 system
remained stable in week 13.
o In week 13, overall weekly influenza-like illness (ILI) GP consultations increased slightly in Northern Ireland,
remained stable in Scotland and decreased in Wales.
 Influenza-confirmed hospitalisations
o 32 new admissions to ICU/HDU with confirmed influenza (24 influenza B, five influenza A unknown subtype, one
influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 and one influenza A(H3N2)) were reported through the USISS mandatory ICU/HDU
surveillance scheme across the UK (123 Trusts in England) in week 13, a rate of 0.08 compared to 0.09 per
100,000 the previous week
o 52 new hospitalised confirmed influenza cases (48 influenza B, three influenza A(H1N1pdm09) and one influenza
A/unknown) were reported through the USISS sentinel hospital network across England (18 Trusts), a rate of 0.77
compared to 0.41 per 100,000 the previous week.
 All-cause mortality data
o In week 13 2015, no statistically significant excess all-cause mortality by week of death was seen through the
EuroMOMO algorithm in England and across the devolved administrations overall and by age group. Since week
40 2014, significant excess mortality has been observed in England in weeks 50-7 predominantly in 65+ year
olds, peaking in week 2 2015. This period of significant excess coincides with circulating influenza and cold
snaps.
 Microbiological surveillance
o 10 samples were positive for influenza through the English GP sentinel schemes (10 B) with a positivity of 43.5%
compared to 43.3% the previous week.
o 69 influenza positive detections were recorded through the DataMart scheme (51 B, 11 A(H3), five influenza
A(H1N1)pdm09 and two A(not subtyped), positivity of 10.5% compared to 10.4% the previous week) with the
highest positivity seen in 5-14 year olds (14.0%).
o Characterisation of influenza B 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 influenza B virus selected for the 2015/16 Northern Hemisphere influenza vaccine.
 Vaccination
o Up to the end of January 2015, the provisional proportion of people in England who had received the 2014/15
influenza vaccine in targeted groups was 50.3% in under 65 years in a clinical risk group, 44.1% in pregnant
women, 72.8% in 65+ year olds, 38.5% in all 2 year olds, 41.3% in all 3 year olds and 32.9% in all 4 year olds.
o Provisional data from the fifth monthly collection of influenza vaccine uptake by frontline healthcare workers show
54.9% were vaccinated by 28 February 2015 from 100.0% of Trusts.
o WHO have published their recommendations for the composition of the 2015/16 northern hemisphere influenza
vaccine.
 International situation
o Globally, influenza activity remains elevated in the northern hemisphere. Influenza A(H3N2) viruses predominate,
although the proportion of influenza B viruses are increasing and some countries reported high levels of activity
associated with influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 viruses. In the European Region, influenza activity is decreasing in
most reporting countries but the proportion of influenza virus positive samples remains high.
...
-In week 13, 32 new admissions to ICU/HDU with confirmed influenza 24 influenza B, five influenza A unknown
subtype, one influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 and one influenza A(H3N2)) were reported across the UK (123/156
Trusts in England) through the USISS mandatory ICU scheme (Figures 6 and 7), a rate of 0.08 per 100,000
compared to 0.09 per 100,000 the previous week. Five new confirmed influenza deaths were reported in week
13 2015. A total of 1,246 admissions (720 A unknown subtype, 255 A(H3N2), 105 A(H1N1)pdm09) and 166 B)
and 125 confirmed influenza deaths have been reported since week 40 2014.
...

https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/420433/Weekly_report_current_wk14_02April2015.pdf

[Ronan Kelly]

PHE Weekly National Influenza Report
Summary of UK surveillance of influenza and other seasonal
respiratory illnesses
9 April 2015 ? Week 15 report (up to week 14 data)

Summary:

In week 14 2015 (ending 5 April), influenza continues to circulate, with influenza B predominating and indicators
of influenza activity decreasing and at low levels. The Department of Health alert issued on the prescription of
antiviral medicines by GPs is still active.
 Community influenza surveillance
o In week 14 respiratory syndromic indicators remained stable compared to the previous week.
o Seven new acute respiratory outbreaks have been reported in the past seven days: three in care homes (one flu
B and two not tested/results not yet available); one in hospital (one flu B); one in school (not tested) and two in
other settings (two 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 remained stable and
through the RCGP system decreased slightly in week 14.
o In week 14, overall weekly influenza-like illness (ILI) GP consultations decreased in Scotland and Northern Ireland
and remained stable in Wales.
 Influenza-confirmed hospitalisations
o 23 new admissions to ICU/HDU with confirmed influenza (15 influenza B, four influenza A(H1N1)pdm09, two
influenza A unknown subtype and two influenza A(H3N2)) were reported through the USISS mandatory ICU/HDU
surveillance scheme across the UK (117 Trusts in England) in week 14, a rate of 0.06 compared to 0.08 per
100,000 the previous week.
o 23 new hospitalised confirmed influenza cases (21 influenza B and two influenza A(H3N2)) were reported through
the USISS sentinel hospital network across England (21 Trusts), a rate of 0.28 compared to 0.62 per 100,000 the
previous week.
 All-cause mortality data
o In week 14 2015, no statistically significant excess all-cause mortality by week of death was seen through the
EuroMOMO algorithm in England overall and by age group and across the devolved administrations. Since week
40 2014, significant excess mortality has been observed in England in weeks 50-7 predominantly in 65+ year
olds, peaking in week 2 2015. This period of significant excess coincided with circulating influenza and cold
snaps.
 Microbiological surveillance
o Eight samples were positive for influenza through the English GP sentinel schemes (seven B and one A(H3)) with
a positivity of 31% compared to 36% the previous week.
o 70 influenza positive detections were recorded through the DataMart scheme (55 B, 10 A(H3) and five influenza
A(H1N1)pdm09), positivity of 9.1% compared to 10.6% the previous week) with the highest positivity seen in 45-
64 year olds (13.4%).
o Characterisation of influenza B 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 influenza B virus selected for the 2015/16 Northern Hemisphere influenza vaccine.
 Vaccination
o Up to the end of January 2015, the provisional proportion of people in England who had received the 2014/15
influenza vaccine in targeted groups was 50.3% in under 65 years in a clinical risk group, 44.1% in pregnant
women, 72.8% in 65+ year olds, 38.5% in all 2 year olds, 41.3% in all 3 year olds and 32.9% in all 4 year olds.
o Provisional data from the fifth monthly collection of influenza vaccine uptake by frontline healthcare workers show
54.9% were vaccinated by 28 February 2015 from 100.0% of Trusts.
o WHO have published their recommendations for the composition of the 2015/16 northern hemisphere influenza
vaccine.
 International situation
o Influenza activity in the northern hemisphere is decreasing but remains elevated. The proportion of influenza B
viruses are increasing and some countries in Asia, Europe and North Africa reported high levels of activity
associated with influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 viruses. In the European Region, influenza activity continued to
decrease in most reporting countries, although the proportion of influenza virus positive samples remains high.
...
-In week 14, 23 new admissions to ICU/HDU with confirmed influenza (15 influenza B, four influenza
A(H1N1)pdm09, two influenza A unknown subtype and two influenza A(H3N2)) were reported across the UK
(117/156 Trusts in England) through the USISS mandatory ICU scheme (Figures 6 and 7), a rate of 0.06 per
100,000 compared to 0.08 per 100,000 the previous week. Five new confirmed influenza deaths were reported
in week 14 2015. A total of 1,279 admissions (723 A unknown subtype, 259 A(H3N2), 111 A(H1N1)pdm09 and
186 B) and 130 confirmed influenza deaths have been reported since week 40 2014.
...

https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/421236/Weekly_report_current_wk15_09April2015.pdf

[Ronan Kelly]

PHE Weekly National Influenza Report
Summary of UK surveillance of influenza and other seasonal
respiratory illnesses
16 April 2015 ? Week 16 report (up to week 15 data)

Summary
In week 15 2015 (ending 12 April), influenza continues to circulate, with influenza B predominating and indicators
of influenza activity at low levels. The Department of Health alert issued on the prescription of antiviral medicines
by GPs is still active.
 Community influenza surveillance
o In week 15 respiratory syndromic indicators either decreased or remained stable compared to the previous week.
o Seven new acute respiratory outbreaks have been reported in the past seven days five in care homes (one flu B,
one flu A(untyped) and three not tested/results not available yet) and two in hospitals (one flu B and one 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 system
remained stable in week 15.
o In week 15, overall weekly influenza-like illness (ILI) GP consultations decreased in Wales and Northern Ireland and
remained stable in Scotland.
 Influenza-confirmed hospitalisations
o 29 new admissions to ICU/HDU with confirmed influenza (24 influenza B, two influenza A(H1N1)pdm09, two
influenza A unknown subtype and one influenza A(H3N2)) were reported through the USISS mandatory ICU/HDU
surveillance scheme across the UK (127 Trusts in England) in week 15, a rate of 0.07 compared to 0.07 per
100,000 the previous week.
o 31 new hospitalised confirmed influenza cases (27 influenza B, two influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 and two influenza
A(H3N2)) were reported through the USISS sentinel hospital network across England (20 Trusts), a rate of 0.43
compared to 0.27 per 100,000 the previous week.
 All-cause mortality data
o In week 15 2015, no statistically significant excess all-cause mortality by week of death was seen through the
EuroMOMO algorithm in England overall and by age group and across the devolved administrations. Since week 40
2014, significant excess mortality has been observed in England in weeks 50-7 predominantly in 65+ year olds,
peaking in week 2 2015. This period of significant excess coincided with circulating influenza and cold snaps.
 Microbiological surveillance
o Neither of the two samples tested were positive for influenza through the English GP sentinel schemes.
o 65 influenza positive detections were recorded through the DataMart scheme (51 B, eight A(H3), one influenza
A(H1N1)pdm09 and five A(untyped), positivity of 8.1% compared to 9.9% the previous week) with the highest
positivity seen in 45-64 year olds (11.7%).
o Characterisation of influenza B 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 influenza B virus selected for the 2015/16 Northern Hemisphere influenza vaccine.
 Vaccination
o Up to the end of January 2015, the provisional proportion of people in England who had received the 2014/15
influenza vaccine in targeted groups was 50.3% in under 65 years in a clinical risk group, 44.1% in pregnant
women, 72.8% in 65+ year olds, 38.5% in all 2 year olds, 41.3% in all 3 year olds and 32.9% in all 4 year olds.
o Provisional data from the fifth monthly collection of influenza vaccine uptake by frontline healthcare workers show
54.9% were vaccinated by 28 February 2015 from 100.0% of Trusts.
o End-of season reports for vaccine uptake in targeted groups and frontline healthcare workers are due to be
published on 21 May.
o The Annual Flu Letter and Flu Plan for 2015/16 have now been published.
 International situation
o Globally, influenza activity decreased further but remained above the seasonal threshold in the northern
hemisphere. While influenza A(H3N2) viruses predominated this season, the proportions of influenza B and
influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 detections increased in the last few weeks. Influenza activity remains at inter-seasonal
levels in the southern hemisphere.
...
-In week 15, 29 new admissions to ICU/HDU with confirmed influenza (24 influenza B, two influenza
A(H1N1)pdm09, two influenza A unknown subtype and one influenza A(H3N2)) were reported across the UK
(127/156 Trusts in England) through the USISS mandatory ICU scheme (Figures 6 and 7), a rate of 0.07 per
100,000 compared to 0.07 per 100,000 the previous week. One new confirmed influenza death was reported in
week 15 2015. A total of 1,320 admissions (727 A unknown subtype, 256 A(H3N2), 120 A(H1N1)pdm09 and 217
B) and 133 confirmed influenza deaths have been reported since week 40 2014.
...

https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/422301/Weekly_report_current_wk16_16April2015.pdf