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WHO - Start of the influenza season in UK: H1N1(2009) cases
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Influenza Recent Events
Start of the influenza season in UK: H1N1(2009) cases
15 December 2010
The Health Protection Agency of the United Kingdom has reported an increase in the number of severe cases of infection with influenza H1N1 (2009) virus across the country, particularly in the last three weeks. The current situation suggests that the local winter influenza epidemic is well under way. Although investigations are ongoing, preliminary analysis of the data from the UK indicate that the epidemiological, clinical, and virological profile of severe cases of infection with H1N1 (2009) virus is similar to what was observed globally during the influenza H1N1 2009 pandemic. Notably, there has been no change in the antigenic character of the virus implying that the currently available vaccine should continue to provide protection. Other seasonal influenza viruses, particularly influenza B virus, are co-circulating with H1N1 (2009) virus in the UK. Surveillance data from Europe also indicate that other parts of the continent are in the early stages of the winter influenza season. It is too early to tell what the overall impact of the current epidemic will be in the UK or elsewhere in Europe.
As the 2010-2011 Northern Hemisphere winter influenza season commences, several key public health messages warrant emphasis as mentioned in the WHO Director General's announcement of the end of pandemic phase 6.
National and sub-national public health authorities should maintain vigilance for the arrival of their local winter influenza epidemics and should use this opportunity to prepare routine influenza surveillance systems to detect and monitor influenza activity; and to encourage influenza vaccination, particularly among groups at high risk for complications from influenza.
Clinicians should be reminded of appropriate diagnostic testing and management of patients presenting with influenza-like-illness, including early treatment with appropriate antiviral medications for patients presenting with severe or deteriorating illness and where influenza is suspected in high risk individuals. Treatment in such cases should not be delayed for laboratory confirmation. Full details of WHO recommendations for antiviral use and clinical management may be found at http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swine.../en/index.html
Unusual epidemiological, clinical, or virological patterns of influenza virus infection should be immediately reported to WHO.
Influenza Recent Events
Start of the influenza season in UK: H1N1(2009) cases
15 December 2010
The Health Protection Agency of the United Kingdom has reported an increase in the number of severe cases of infection with influenza H1N1 (2009) virus across the country, particularly in the last three weeks. The current situation suggests that the local winter influenza epidemic is well under way. Although investigations are ongoing, preliminary analysis of the data from the UK indicate that the epidemiological, clinical, and virological profile of severe cases of infection with H1N1 (2009) virus is similar to what was observed globally during the influenza H1N1 2009 pandemic. Notably, there has been no change in the antigenic character of the virus implying that the currently available vaccine should continue to provide protection. Other seasonal influenza viruses, particularly influenza B virus, are co-circulating with H1N1 (2009) virus in the UK. Surveillance data from Europe also indicate that other parts of the continent are in the early stages of the winter influenza season. It is too early to tell what the overall impact of the current epidemic will be in the UK or elsewhere in Europe.
As the 2010-2011 Northern Hemisphere winter influenza season commences, several key public health messages warrant emphasis as mentioned in the WHO Director General's announcement of the end of pandemic phase 6.
National and sub-national public health authorities should maintain vigilance for the arrival of their local winter influenza epidemics and should use this opportunity to prepare routine influenza surveillance systems to detect and monitor influenza activity; and to encourage influenza vaccination, particularly among groups at high risk for complications from influenza.
Clinicians should be reminded of appropriate diagnostic testing and management of patients presenting with influenza-like-illness, including early treatment with appropriate antiviral medications for patients presenting with severe or deteriorating illness and where influenza is suspected in high risk individuals. Treatment in such cases should not be delayed for laboratory confirmation. Full details of WHO recommendations for antiviral use and clinical management may be found at http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swine.../en/index.html
Unusual epidemiological, clinical, or virological patterns of influenza virus infection should be immediately reported to WHO.
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