2011-2012: HPA Weekly National Influenza Reports.

[Ronan Kelly]

Re: 2011-2012: HPA Weekly National Influenza Reports.

Summary
HPA Weekly National Influenza Report
Summary of UK surveillance of influenza and other seasonal respiratory illnesses
23 February 2012 ? Week 8
Despite some increase in influenza activity, GP consultation rates remain relatively low.

 Weekly influenza GP consultation rates remain low in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland despite increases in Northern Ireland and in the RCGP scheme in England and Wales. o In week 7 (ending 19 February 2012), the weekly primary care ILI consultation rate increased to 20.2 per 100,000 from 15.6 per 100,000 in week 6 in England. The corresponding figures (per 100,000) for Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland were: 5.1 from 9.4; 30.6 from 25.9; and 11.0 from 13.6.
o The proportion of NHS Direct calls for cold/flu remains below the early warning threshold for influenza.
o The daily proportion of NHS Direct calls for fever (5-14yrs) reached the early warning threshold for influenza in week 7 but has since decreased and is currently below the threshold level.
o Fourteen new acute respiratory disease outbreaks were reported in week 7 2012.

 Virology
o 134 (17.5%) of the 767 respiratory specimens reported to Data Mart (England) tested positive for influenza in week 7, an increase in positivity compared to week 6. The majority of positive samples were influenza A(H3) (93 A(H3), 37 A (subtype not known) and 4 B). The proportion of samples positive for RSV increased slightly, with the highest positivity remaining in under five year olds. The proportion of samples positive for hMPV, rhinovirus, parainfluenza and adenovirus remained stable.
o 22 influenza A(H3) detections were recorded in the UK sentinel GP schemes in week 7 2012, an overall positivity of 23.2% compared to 26.7% in week 6.

 Disease severity and mortality
o 27 new admissions to ICU/HDU with confirmed influenza were reported through the USISS mandatory scheme across the UK in week 7 compared to 14 in week 6.
o One new ICU/HDU confirmed influenza death has been reported through the USISS mandatory scheme across the UK in week 7.
o Excess all-cause mortality remains within expected levels for this time of year for England and Wales in week 7 as calculated by the HPA with the EuroMOMO algorithm. No excess mortality was seen overall or by age group in Scotland in week 7 2012.

 Influenza vaccination
o In the final monthly GP collection up to 31 January 2012, provisional cumulative seasonal influenza vaccine uptake was 74.0% in 65 years and over and 51.6% in under 65 year olds at risk from 99.5% of GP practices.
o Amongst pregnant women, the provisional cumulative uptake was 27.4% (though this data needs to be interpreted with caution).

...
http://www.hpa.org.uk/webc/HPAwebFile/HPAweb_C/1317132834680

 

[Ronan Kelly]

Re: 2011-2012: HPA Weekly National Influenza Reports.

HPA Weekly National Influenza Report
Summary of UK surveillance of influenza and other seasonal respiratory illnesses
1 March 2012 ? Week 9

GP consultation rates remain low and influenza activity appears to be peaking this season. Weekly influenza GP consultation rates remain low in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. o In week 8 (ending 26 February 2012), the weekly primary care ILI consultation rate decreased in England (16.1 per 100,000) and Northern Ireland (24.7 per 100,000) and increased in Wales (11.2 per 100,000) and Scotland (13.7 per 100,000).
o The weekly proportion of NHS Direct calls for cold/flu remains below the early warning threshold for influenza.
o The weekly proportion of NHS Direct calls for fever (5-14yrs) remains below the early warning threshold for influenza in week 8 despite increases in the daily proportion over the last few days.
o Eleven new acute respiratory disease outbreaks were reported in week 8 2012 compared to 14 in week 7.

Virology
o 138 (17.6%) of the 786 respiratory specimens reported to Data Mart (England) tested positive for influenza in week 8, a slight decrease in positivity compared to week 7. The majority of positive samples were influenza A(H3) (107 A(H3), 24 A (subtype not known) and 7 B). The proportion of samples positive for RSV remained at a similar level, with the highest positivity remaining in under five year olds. The proportion of samples positive for hMPV increased, decreased for parainfluenza and remained stable for rhinovirus and adenovirus.
o 18 influenza A(H3) and 3 influenza B detections were recorded in the UK sentinel GP schemes in week 8 2012, an overall positivity of 21.9% compared to 22.4% in week 7.

Disease severity and mortality
o 14 new admissions to ICU/HDU with confirmed influenza were reported through the USISS mandatory scheme across the UK in week 8 compared to 31 in week 7.
o Four new ICU/HDU confirmed influenza deaths have been reported through the USISS mandatory scheme across the UK in week 8.
o Excess all-cause mortality remains within expected levels for this time of year for England and Wales in week 8 as calculated by the HPA with the EuroMOMO algorithm. No excess mortality was seen overall or by age group in Scotland in week 8 2012.

Influenza vaccination
o Following a WHO consultation, it is recommended that vaccines for use in the 2012/13 northern hemisphere influenza season contain the following viruses: an A/California/7/2009 (H1N1)pdm09-like virus, an A/Victoria/361/2011 (H3N2)-like virus and a B/Wisconsin/1/2010-like virus.

International situation
o Influenza activity in Europe continues to be dominated by A(H3) viruses and epidemics may be approaching their peak in the first affected countries. Elsewhere in the temperate regions of the Northern hemisphere increases in activity have been seen though activity remains low overall and is mainly dominated by A(H3) viruses. Levels of both mild and severe disease have been relatively low compared to previous years in most areas reporting.
o Countries in the tropical zone are mostly reporting low levels of activity and transmission in the temperate countries of the southern hemisphere is at inter-seasonal levels. HPA guidance on infection control and the use of antiviral agents for the treatment and prophylaxis of influenza this season is available on the HPA website.

...
http://www.hpa.org.uk/webc/HPAwebFile/HPAweb_C/1317132961814

 

[Ronan Kelly]

Re: 2011-2012: HPA Weekly National Influenza Reports.

Summary
HPA Weekly National Influenza Report
Summary of UK surveillance of influenza and other seasonal respiratory illnesses
15 March 2012 ? Week 11
GP consultation rates remain low and indicators of influenza activity have mainly decreased or remained stable. Weekly influenza GP consultation rates remain low in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. o In week 10 (ending 11 March 2012), the weekly primary care ILI consultation rate remained low in England (13.0 per 100,000), Scotland (15.0 per 100,000), Northern Ireland (32.7 per 100,000) and Wales (5.6 per 100,000).
o The weekly proportion of NHS Direct calls for cold/flu remains below the early warning threshold for influenza in week 10.
o The weekly proportion of NHS Direct calls for fever (5-14yrs) remains below the early warning threshold for influenza in week 10 despite a slight increase over the past week.
o Twenty-two new acute respiratory disease outbreaks were reported in week 10 2012 compared to 13 in week 9.

Virology
o 100 (14.1%) of the 709 respiratory specimens reported to Data Mart (England) tested positive for influenza in week 10, a slight decrease in positivity compared to week 9. The majority of positive samples were influenza A(H3) (71 A(H3), 17 A (subtype not known), one A(H1N1)pdm09 and 11 B). The proportion of samples positive for RSV remained at a similar level, with the highest positivity remaining in under five year olds. The proportion of samples positive increased for hMPV, decreased for rhinovirus and adenovirus and remained stable for parainfluenza.
o 25 influenza A(H3) detections and one influenza B detection was recorded in the UK sentinel GP schemes in week 10 2012, an overall positivity of 23.9% compared to 28.1% in week 9.

Disease severity and mortality
o 18 new admissions to ICU/HDU with confirmed influenza were reported through the USISS mandatory scheme across the UK in week 10 compared to 28 in week 9.
o Two new ICU/HDU confirmed influenza deaths have been reported through the USISS mandatory scheme across the UK in week 10.
o Excess all-cause mortality was seen in 65+ year olds and by region in London and South East England in week 10 as calculated by the HPA with the EuroMOMO algorithm. No excess mortality was seen overall or by age group in Scotland in week 10 2012.

Influenza vaccination
o Following a WHO consultation, it is recommended that vaccines for use in the 2012/13 northern hemisphere influenza season contain the following viruses: an A/California/7/2009 (H1N1)pdm09-like virus, an A/Victoria/361/2011 (H3N2)-like virus and a B/Wisconsin/1/2010-like virus.
...
http://www.hpa.org.uk/webc/HPAwebFile/HPAweb_C/1317133181451

 

[Ronan Kelly]

Re: 2011-2012: HPA Weekly National Influenza Reports.

Summary
HPA Weekly National Influenza Report
Summary of UK surveillance of influenza and other seasonal respiratory illnesses
22 March 2012 ? Week 12

GP consultation rates remain low and indicators of influenza activity have decreased or remained stable. Weekly influenza GP consultation rates remain low in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. o In week 11 (ending 18 March 2012), the weekly primary care ILI consultation rate remained low in England (14.7 per 100,000), Scotland (18.4 per 100,000), Northern Ireland (36.3 per 100,000) and Wales (7.8 per 100,000).
o The weekly proportion of NHS Direct calls for cold/flu and fever (5-14yrs) remain below the early warning thresholds for influenza in week 11.
o 13 new acute respiratory disease outbreaks were reported in week 11 2012 compared to 24 in week 10.

Virology
o 86 (12.4%) of the 695 respiratory specimens reported to Data Mart (England) tested positive for influenza in week 11, a slight decrease in positivity compared to week 10. The majority of positive samples were influenza A(H3) (64 A(H3), 12 A (subtype not known) and 10 B). The proportion of samples positive for RSV remained at a similar level, with the highest positivity remaining in under five year olds. The proportion of samples positive increased for rhinovirus, decreased for parainfluenza and adenovirus and remained stable for hMPV.
o 15 influenza A(H3) detections and four influenza B detections were recorded in the UK sentinel GP schemes in week 11 2012, an overall positivity of 24.7% compared to 24.9% in week 10.
o The majority of A(H3N2) viruses are antigenically similar to the 2011/12 A(H3N2) vaccine component.

Disease severity and mortality
o 14 new admissions to ICU/HDU with confirmed influenza were reported through the USISS mandatory scheme across the UK in week 11 compared to 19 in week 10.
o One new ICU/HDU confirmed influenza death has been reported through the USISS mandatory scheme across the UK in week 11.
o Excess all-cause mortality was seen in 65+ year olds and by region in the West Midlands, East of England, London and South East England in week 11 as calculated by the HPA with the EuroMOMO algorithm. A small excess mortality was seen in Scotland in week 11 2012.

Influenza vaccination
o Following a WHO consultation, it is recommended that vaccines for use in the 2012/13 northern hemisphere influenza season contain the following viruses: an A/California/7/2009 (H1N1)pdm09-like virus, an A/Victoria/361/2011 (H3N2)-like virus and a B/Wisconsin/1/2010-like virus.

International situation
o Influenza activity in Europe continues to be dominated by A(H3) viruses but B viruses seem to have been increasing late in the season. Data suggests the peaks of the epidemics have passed in many but by no means all EU/EEA countries. A proportion of A(H3) viruses characterised have not perfectly matched the current vaccine strain, which is consistent with the decision of WHO to recommend a change of A(H3N2) strain in the vaccine in 2012/13.
o Elsewhere in the temperate regions of the Northern hemisphere increases in activity have been seen and it is mainly dominated by A(H3) viruses.
o Countries in the tropical zone are reporting low levels of activity and transmission in the temperate countries of the southern hemisphere is at inter-seasonal levels.
o Elsewhere in the temperate regions of the Northern hemisphere increases in activity have been seen and it is mainly dominated by A(H3) viruses. HPA guidance on infection control and the use of antiviral agents for the treatment and prophylaxis of influenza this season is available on the HPA website.
...
http://www.hpa.org.uk/webc/HPAwebFile/HPAweb_C/1317133280485

 

[Ronan Kelly]

Re: 2011-2012: HPA Weekly National Influenza Reports.

HPA Weekly National Influenza Report
Summary of UK surveillance of influenza and other seasonal respiratory illnesses 29 March 2012 ? Week 13

GP consultation rates remain low and indicators of influenza activity have decreased. Weekly influenza GP consultation rates remain low in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. o In week 12 (ending 25 March 2012), the weekly primary care ILI consultation rate remained low in England (9.4 per 100,000), Scotland (12.3 per 100,000), Northern Ireland (24.7 per 100,000) and Wales (5.2 per 100,000).
o The weekly proportion of NHS Direct calls for cold/flu and fever (5-14yrs) remain below the early warning thresholds for influenza in week 12.
o Five new acute respiratory disease outbreaks were reported in week 12 2012 compared to 13 in week 11.

...
http://www.hpa.org.uk/webc/HPAwebFile/HPAweb_C/1317133375701
Virology
o 79 (12.9%) of the 612 respiratory specimens reported to Data Mart (England) tested positive for influenza in week 12, a slight decrease in positivity compared to week 11. The majority of positive samples were influenza A(H3) (63 A(H3), two A (subtype not known), one A(H1N1)pdm09 and 13 B). The proportion of samples positive for RSV decreased slightly, with the highest positivity remaining in under five year olds. The proportion of samples positive increased for rhinovirus, decreased for hMPV and remained stable for parainfluenza and adenovirus.
o 15 influenza A(H3) detections and one influenza B detection were recorded in the UK sentinel GP schemes in week 12 2012, an overall positivity of 28.6% compared to 33.8% in week 11.
o The majority of A(H3N2) viruses are antigenically similar to the 2011/12 A(H3N2) vaccine component.

Disease severity and mortality
o Eight new admissions to ICU/HDU with confirmed influenza were reported through the USISS mandatory scheme across the UK in week 12 compared to 14 in week 11.
o No new ICU/HDU confirmed influenza deaths have been reported through the USISS mandatory scheme across the UK in week 12.
o Excess all-cause mortality was seen in 65+ year olds and by region in the East of England, London and South East England in week 12 as calculated by the HPA with the EuroMOMO algorithm. No excess mortality was seen in Scotland in week 12 2012.

Influenza vaccination
o Following a WHO consultation, it is recommended that vaccines for use in the 2012/13 northern hemisphere influenza season contain the following viruses: an A/California/7/2009 (H1N1)pdm09-like virus, an A/Victoria/361/2011 (H3N2)-like virus and a B/Wisconsin/1/2010-like virus.

International situation
o Influenza activity in Europe continues to be dominated by A(H3) viruses but the proportion of influenza B viruses among the detected influenza viruses has been increasing over the past five weeks. Data suggests the epidemic peak has passed in most European countries. A proportion of A(H3) viruses characterised have not perfectly matched the current vaccine strain, which is consistent with the decision of WHO to recommend a change of A(H3N2) strain in the vaccine in 2012/13.
o Elsewhere in the temperate regions of the Northern hemisphere increases in activity have been seen and it is mainly dominated by A(H3) viruses.
o Countries in the tropical zone are reporting low levels of activity and transmission in the temperate countries of the southern hemisphere is at inter-seasonal levels. HPA guidance on infection control and the use of antiviral agents for the treatment and prophylaxis of influenza this season is available on the HPA website.

 

[Ronan Kelly]

Re: 2011-2012: HPA Weekly National Influenza Reports.

HPA Weekly National Influenza Report
Summary of UK surveillance of influenza and other seasonal respiratory illnesses
5 April 2012 ? Week 14

GP consultation rates remain low and indicators of influenza activity have decreased or remained stable. Weekly influenza GP consultation rates remain low in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
o In week 13 (ending 1 April 2012), the weekly primary care ILI consultation rate remained low in England (8.9 per 100,000), Scotland (11.6 per 100,000), Northern Ireland (21.2 per 100,000) and Wales (5.5 per 100,000).
o The weekly proportion of NHS Direct calls for cold/flu and fever (5-14yrs) remain below the early warning thresholds for influenza in week 13.
o Seven new acute respiratory disease outbreaks were reported in week 13 2012 compared to five in week 12.

Virology
o 62 (11.7%) of the 532 respiratory specimens reported to Data Mart (England) tested positive for influenza in week 13, a slight decrease in positivity compared to week 12. The majority of positive samples were influenza A(H3) (50 A(H3), four A (subtype not known), one A(H1N1)pdm09 and seven B). The proportion of samples positive for RSV increased slightly, with the highest positivity remaining in under five year olds. The proportion of samples positive decreased for rhinovirus, and increased slightly for hMPV, parainfluenza and adenovirus.
o Nine influenza A(H3) were recorded in the UK sentinel GP schemes in week 13 2012, an overall positivity of 13.6% compared to 28.7% in week 12.
o The majority of A(H3N2) viruses are antigenically similar to the 2011/12 A(H3N2) vaccine component.

Disease severity and mortality
o Twelve new admissions to ICU/HDU with confirmed influenza were reported through the USISS mandatory scheme across the UK in week 13 compared to 10 in week 12.
o Two new ICU/HDU confirmed influenza deaths have been reported through the USISS mandatory scheme across the UK in week 13.
o Excess all-cause mortality was seen in 65+ year olds and by region in London in week 13 as calculated by the HPA with the EuroMOMO algorithm. No excess mortality was seen in Scotland in week 13 2012.

Influenza vaccination
o Following a WHO consultation, it is recommended that vaccines for use in the 2012/13 northern hemisphere influenza season contain the following viruses: an A/California/7/2009 (H1N1)pdm09-like virus, an A/Victoria/361/2011 (H3N2)-like virus and a B/Wisconsin/1/2010-like virus.

International situation
o In Europe, the decrease in the proportion of influenza-positive sentinel specimens and the growing number of countries reporting continuously decreasing trends in ILI/ARI notifications indicate that the epidemic has passed its peak in most countries. As often observed late in the season, the proportion of type B virus influenza detections has been increasing over the past six weeks. A proportion of A(H3) viruses characterised have not perfectly matched the current vaccine strain, which is consistent with the decision of WHO to recommend a change of A(H3N2) strain in the vaccine in 2012/13.
o Elsewhere in the temperate regions of the Northern hemisphere influenza activity appears to be reaching its peak or decreasing in most countries and it is mainly dominated by A(H3) viruses.
o Countries in the tropical zone are mostly reporting low levels of activity and transmission in the temperate countries of the southern hemisphere is at low levels
...

Excess all-cause mortality by age group and HPA region, England, Wales and Scotland
-In week 13 2012, excess mortality by date of death above the 2 z-score threshold was seen in 65+ year
olds (Figure 16) in England and Wales after correcting ONS disaggregate data for reporting delay with the
standardised EuroMOMO algorithm (Table 3). This data is provisional due to the time delay in registration
and so numbers may vary from week to week.
-Excess mortality was reported in London in week 13.
-Since week 40, excess mortality has been reported in 5-14 year olds in week 5 2012 and in 65+ year olds
in weeks 50 2011, 51 2011, 7 2012, 8 2012, and 13 2012.
-No excess mortality was seen overall or by age group in Scotland in the last four weeks.
...
http://www.hpa.org.uk/webc/HPAwebFile/HPAweb_C/1317133495219

 

[Ronan Kelly]

Re: 2011-2012: HPA Weekly National Influenza Reports.

HPA Weekly National Influenza Report
Summary of UK surveillance of influenza and other seasonal respiratory illnesses
12 April 2012 ? Week 15

Limited access to GP services on Good Friday 6 April 2012 will have impacted on GP consultation rates, so data should be interpreted with caution.
GP consultation rates remain low and most indicators of influenza activity have decreased but sporadic outbreaks continue to be reported.

Weekly influenza GP consultation rates remain low in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
o In week 14 (ending 8 April 2012), the weekly primary care ILI consultation rate remained low in England (5.5 per 100,000), Scotland (11.7 per 100,000), Northern Ireland (17.0 per 100,000) and Wales (1.9 per 100,000).
o The weekly proportion of NHS Direct calls for cold/flu and fever (5-14yrs) remain below the early warning thresholds for influenza in week 14.
o Fourteen new acute respiratory disease outbreaks were reported across the UK (seven in England, four in Scotland, two in Northern Ireland and one in Wales) in week 14 2012 compared to seven in week 13.

Virology
o 36 (7.1%) of the 507 respiratory specimens reported to Data Mart (England) tested positive for influenza in week 14, a slight decrease in positivity compared to week 13. The majority of positive samples were influenza A(H3) (13 A(H3), 12 A (subtype not known) and 11 B). The proportion of samples positive for RSV decreased slightly, with the highest positivity remaining in under five year olds. The proportion of samples positive increased for rhinovirus, decreased for adenovirus and remained stable for hMPV and parainfluenza.
o Three influenza A(H3) and one B were recorded in the UK sentinel GP schemes in week 14 2012, an overall positivity of 8.9% compared to 20.9% in week 13.
o The majority of A(H3N2) viruses are antigenically similar to the 2011/12 A(H3N2) vaccine component.

Disease severity and mortality
o Ten new admissions to ICU/HDU with confirmed influenza were reported through the USISS mandatory scheme across the UK in week 14 compared to 14 in week 13.
o No new ICU/HDU confirmed influenza deaths have been reported through the USISS mandatory scheme across the UK in week 14.
o No excess all-cause mortality was seen by age group and by region in week 14 as calculated by the HPA with the EuroMOMO algorithm. No excess mortality was seen in Scotland in week 14 2012.

Influenza vaccination
o Following a WHO consultation, it is recommended that vaccines for use in the 2012/13 northern hemisphere influenza season contain the following viruses: an A/California/7/2009 (H1N1)pdm09-like virus, an A/Victoria/361/2011 (H3N2)-like virus and a B/Wisconsin/1/2010-like virus.

International situation
o In Europe, the decrease in the proportion of influenza-positive sentinel specimens and the growing number of countries reporting continuously decreasing trends in the incidence of ILI/ARI indicate that the epidemic has passed its peak in almost all countries. As often observed late in the season, the proportion of type B virus influenza detections has been increasing over the past seven weeks. A proportion of A(H3) viruses characterised have not perfectly matched the current vaccine strain, which is consistent with the decision of WHO to recommend a change of A(H3N2) strain in the vaccine in 2012/13.
o Elsewhere in the temperate regions of the Northern hemisphere influenza activity appears to be reaching its peak or decreasing in most countries and it is mainly dominated by A(H3) viruses.
o Countries in the tropical zone are mostly reporting low levels of activity and transmission in the temperate countries of the southern hemisphere is at low levels. HPA guidance on infection control and the use of antiviral agents for the treatment and prophylaxis of influenza this season is available on the HPA website.
...
http://www.hpa.org.uk/webc/HPAwebFile/HPAweb_C/1317133547452

 

[Ronan Kelly]

Re: 2011-2012: HPA Weekly National Influenza Reports.

HPA Weekly National Influenza Report
Summary of UK surveillance of influenza and other seasonal respiratory illnesses
19 April 2012 ? Week 16

Limited access to GP services on the 9 April 2012 which was a Bank Holiday will have impacted on GP consultation rates, so data should be interpreted with caution.

GP consultation rates remain low and most indicators of influenza activity have decreased but outbreaks continue to be reported across the UK.
Weekly influenza GP consultation rates remain low in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
o In week 15 (ending 15 April 2012), the weekly primary care ILI consultation rate remained low in England (4.7 per 100,000), Scotland (12.3 per 100,000), Northern Ireland (15.4 per 100,000) and Wales (5.4 per 100,000).
o The weekly proportion of NHS Direct calls for cold/flu and fever (5-14yrs) remain below the early warning thresholds for influenza in week 15.
o Sixteen new acute respiratory disease outbreaks were reported across the UK (four in England, three in Scotland, seven in Northern Ireland and two in Wales) in week 15 2012 compared to 14 in week 14.

Virology
o 28 (6.3%) of the 441 respiratory specimens reported to Data Mart (England) tested positive for influenza in week 15 (12 A(H3), two A (subtype not known) and 14 B), a slight decrease in positivity compared to week 14. The proportion of samples positive for RSV remained stable and the highest positivity is now in the 5-14 year group. The proportion of samples positive increased for rhinovirus and remained stable for adenovirus, hMPV and parainfluenza.
o One influenza B detection was recorded through the two English GP-based sentinel schemes.
o The majority of A(H3N2) viruses are antigenically similar to the 2011/12 A(H3N2) vaccine component.

Disease severity and mortality
o Five new admissions to ICU/HDU with confirmed influenza were reported through the USISS mandatory scheme across the UK in week 15 compared to 11 in week 14.
o One new ICU/HDU confirmed influenza death has been reported through the USISS mandatory scheme across the UK in week 15.
o No excess all-cause mortality was seen by age group and by region in week 15 as calculated by the HPA with the EuroMOMO algorithm. No excess mortality was seen in Scotland in week 15 2012.

Influenza vaccination
o Following a WHO consultation, it is recommended that vaccines for use in the 2012/13 northern hemisphere influenza season contain the following viruses: an A/California/7/2009 (H1N1)pdm09-like virus, an A/Victoria/361/2011 (H3N2)-like virus and a B/Wisconsin/1/2010-like virus. International situation
o In Europe, the decrease in the proportion of influenza-positive sentinel specimens and the growing number of countries reporting continuously decreasing trends in the incidence of ILI/ARI indicate that the epidemic has passed its peak in almost all countries. As often observed late in the season, the proportion of influenza B viruses among detected influenza viruses has been increasing over the past eight weeks. A proportion of A(H3) viruses characterised have not perfectly matched the current vaccine strain, which is consistent with the decision of WHO to recommend a change of A(H3N2) strain in the vaccine in 2012/13.
o Elsewhere in the temperate regions of the Northern hemisphere influenza activity appears to have peaked and is declining in most countries and it is mainly dominated by A(H3) viruses.
o Countries in the tropical zone are mostly reporting low levels of activity and transmission in the temperate countries of the southern hemisphere remains low at inter-seasonal levels. HPA guidance on infection control and the use of antiviral agents for the treatment and prophylaxis of influenza this season is available on the HPA website.
...
http://www.hpa.org.uk/webc/HPAwebFile/HPAweb_C/1317133733840

 

[Ronan Kelly]

Re: 2011-2012: HPA Weekly National Influenza Reports.

HPA Weekly National Influenza Report
Summary of UK surveillance of influenza and other seasonal respiratory illnesses
26 April 2012 ? Week 17

GP consultation rates remain low and all indicators of influenza activity have decreased or remained stable.
Weekly influenza GP consultation rates remain low in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. o In week 16 (ending 22 April 2012), the weekly primary care ILI consultation rate remained low in England (4.9 per 100,000), Scotland (13.7 per 100,000), Northern Ireland (20.6 per 100,000) and Wales (2.1 per 100,000).
o The weekly proportion of NHS Direct calls for cold/flu and fever (5-14yrs) remain below the early warning thresholds for influenza in week 16.
o Five new acute respiratory disease outbreaks were reported across the UK (four in England and one in Wales) in week 16 2012 compared to 16 in week 15.

Virology
o 32 (6.6%) of the 488 respiratory specimens reported to Data Mart (England) tested positive for influenza in week 16 (12 A(H3), 9 A (subtype not known) and 11 B), a similar level of positivity compared to week 15. The proportion of samples positive for RSV remained stable and the highest positivity is now in the under five year olds. The proportion of samples positive increased for parainfluenza and decreased for rhinovirus, adenovirus and hMPV.
o One influenza B detection was recorded through the two English GP-based sentinel schemes.
o The majority of A(H3N2) viruses are antigenically similar to the 2011/12 A(H3N2) vaccine component.

Disease severity and mortality
o Five new admissions to ICU/HDU with confirmed influenza were reported through the USISS mandatory scheme across the UK in week 16 compared to six in week 15.
o No new ICU/HDU confirmed influenza deaths has been reported through the USISS mandatory scheme across the UK in week 16.
o No excess all-cause mortality was seen by age group and by region in week 16 as calculated by the HPA with the EuroMOMO algorithm. No excess mortality was seen in Scotland in week 16 2012.

Influenza vaccination
o Following a WHO consultation, it is recommended that vaccines for use in the 2012/13 northern hemisphere influenza season contain the following viruses: an A/California/7/2009 (H1N1)pdm09-like virus, an A/Victoria/361/2011 (H3N2)-like virus and a B/Wisconsin/1/2010-like virus.

International situation
o In Europe, the decrease in the proportion of influenza-positive sentinel specimens, together with the fact that the majority of countries are reporting a continuously decreasing incidence of ILI or ARI, indicate that the seasonal peak has passed in almost all countries. However, the proportion of positive specimens indicated that influenza is still circulating in Europe and that B viruses are making an increasingly important contribution. A proportion of A(H3) viruses characterised have not perfectly matched the current vaccine strain, which is consistent with the decision of WHO to recommend a change of A(H3N2) strain in the vaccine in 2012/13.
o Elsewhere in the temperate regions of the Northern hemisphere influenza activity appears to have peaked and is declining in most countries and it is mainly dominated by A(H3) viruses.
o Countries in the tropical zone are mostly reporting low levels of activity and transmission in the temperate countries of the southern hemisphere remains low at inter-seasonal levels. HPA guidance on infection control and the use of antiviral agents for the treatment and prophylaxis of influenza this season is available on the HPA website.
...
http://www.hpa.org.uk/webc/HPAwebFile/HPAweb_C/1317133845350

 

[gsgs]

Re: 2010-2011: HPA Weekly National Influenza Report Weeks 49 - 26: 607 fatalities confirmed

Re: 2010-2011: HPA Weekly National Influenza Report Weeks 49 - 26: 607 fatalities confirmed

I typed in the weekly provisional figures of deaths from England and Wales
they are not easy to find in one list, partial excel-lists only
so here is week 49-week 34, so people can find it with google
I'm planning to update this by editing


weekly deaths:

09828,10348,11151,8472,10514,11343,10393,10320,10117,10287,
10532,11086,10945,10507,10041,9864,9634,8520,9992,10816,10238,
9957,8868,9913,9602,9602,6781,10170,9054,8856,8909,8754,8684,
8877,8942,8810,8776,8977

average last 5 years:

10328,10501,10994,8939,12455,12851,11813,11054,10615,10317,
10402,10327,10158,09962,09909,9459,9392,9643,9694,09644,09454,
9375,9085,9272,9275,8223,9240,08878,8750,8718,8764,8577,8489,
8549,8594,8547,8552,8577

Edit: Copied from another thread, this list is of all cause mortality in England and Wales in 2011-2012 season


-----------------------------------------

weekly provisional deaths in England and Wales week 43/2010-week 35/2012

total
9275,9668,9406,9437
9473,9220,11193,10880,11484,9689,12644,13133
11438,10555,10235,10019,9757,9433,9453,9648
9842,9707,9312,9557,9327,8335,8064,9853
10140,8949,9163,7913,9254,8961,8715,8710
8705,8461,8500,8456,8787,8573,8426,8466
7717,8769,8612,8527,8919
8719,8705,8638,9139,9640,9042,9305,9166
9203,9828,10348,11151,8472,10514,11343,10393
10320,10117,10287,10532,11086,10945,10507,10041
9864,9634,8520,9992,10816,10238,9957,8868
9913,9602,9602,6781,10170,9054,8856,8909
8754,8684,8877,8942,8810,8776,8977,7617

average last 5 years
9328,9420,9548,9671
9856,9898,10175,10454,10925,8825,12166,12540
11711,11032,10675,10442,10587,10558,10483,10232
10084,9662,9714,9822,9640,10122,9919,9221
9017,9373,9309,8339,9322,8985,8813,8758
8884,8630,8643,8737,8619,8550,8588,8643
7985,8619,8671,8707,8829
8908,9120,9240,9327,9501,9580,9654,9788
9677,10328,10501,10994,8939,12455,12851,11813
11054,10615,10317,10402,10327,10158,9962,9909
9459,9392,9643,9694,9644,9454,9375,9085
9272,9275,8223,9240,8878,8750,8718,8764
8577,8489,8549,8594,8547,8552,8577,7901

45-64 years (0000=data not found)
1198,1215,1221,1185
1198,1199,1396,1466,0000,0000,0000,0000
0000,0000,0000,0000,0000,0000,0000,1213
1260,1179,1226,1245,1205,1057,997,1302
1358,0000,0000,0000,0000,1227,1126,1131
1155,1163,1168,1118,1182,1174,1119,1133
1018,1149,1159,1107,1172
1065,1202,1130,1195,1262,1149,1208,1158
1209,1268,1243,1268,915,1255,1370,1204
1240,1245,1237,1164,1220,1310,1185,1238
1256,1170,1072,1155,1313,1227,1171,1063
1212,1177,1190,846,1217,1147,1130,1098
1123,1124,1157,1153,1124,1108,1144,952

respir
1194,1306,1274,1224
1212,1571,0000,0000,0000,0000,0000,0000
0000,0000,0000,0000,0000,0000,0000,0000
0000,0000,0000,0000,0000,0000,0000,0000
0000,0000,0000,0000,0000,0000,1129,1073
1084,1064,980,996,1053,1050,955,969
932,980,999,1000,1058
1137,1061,1099,1116,1291,1249,1218,1228
1250,1383,1471,1666,1407,1789,1928,1627
1570,1622,1612,1682,1823,1879,1647,1611
1535,1412,1234,1498,1633,1491,1488,1304
1443,1256,1328,886,1392,1158,1109,1107
1098,1027,1116,1130,1034,1005,1083,880

respir:
...
xxxx,xxxx,1125,1144,1065,1044,1072,873
(---1048,1083,881,982,1023,1047,1058,)

Europe: http://www.euromomo.eu/results/pooled.html

http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/publications/all-releases.html?definition=tcm:77-28713

http://www.google.com/#hl=en&sclien...8641&oq="weekly+provisional+figures+on+deaths

week,all,5y-average,45-65,respir.,ratio
week 35: 7617,7901,952,880,1155 (bank holiday)
week 36: 8848,8593,1164,982,1110
week 37: 8641,8670,1106,1031,1193
week 38: 8839,8688,1173,1065,1205
week 39: 8865,8864,1094,1082,1221
week 40: 9070,8955,1122,1153,1271
week 41:9441,9030,1162,1149,1217
week 42:9284,9146,1120,1184,1275
week 43:9550,9311,1149,1281,1341
week 44: 9335,9540,1158,1233,1309
week 45: 9683,9479,1172,1306,1321
week 46: 9900,9551,1197,1352,1366
week 47: 9679,9640,1203,1319,1363
week 48: 9394,9580,1136,1305,1389
week 49: 9844,10336,1219,1368,1390
week 50:10388,10537,1213,1540,1482
week 51:11461,11179,1315,1783,1556
week 52:8096,8939,817,1384,1407,1738
week 01:11620,12379,1179,2234,1923
week 02:12541,12881,1481,2504,1997
week 03:11075,11735,1305,2001,1807
week 04:11262,11028,1216,1890,1678
week 05:11314,10481,1288,1920,1697
week 06:11044,10217,1235,
week 07:11030,10211,
week 08:10850,10272,
week 09:10783,10115,

 

[gsgs]

Re: 2011-2012: HPA Weekly National Influenza Reports.

update

 

[Ronan Kelly]

Re: 2011-2012: HPA Weekly National Influenza Reports.

gs - could you give a little more info on this picture. Labels and scales on the axes would help. Right now it is difficult to interpret.

 

[gsgs]

Re: 2011-2012: HPA Weekly National Influenza Reports.

I didn't really expect anyone looking at it ...

x-axes = time in weeks
y-axes = deaths , 3 different scales , just only to compare trends,
compare with previous year

I can make other MAs = moving averages for you

just weekly without MA is too much zigzag

we can get monthly data from ~20 European countries
with ~1year delay from eurostat.com
weekly charts but no data from euromomo.com


I should also include USA (MMWR) in the chart, so to compare ... maybe later

---------------------
now I'm wondering - the English deaths for younger age groups are much smaller
than those for USA - can't be that Brits get so much older than Amies.
Something is wrong - I'll have to check

----------------------------------
why do so many younger people die in USA as compared with Europe ?
I didn't know that.

deaths by age groups (0-1,1-45,45-65,>65) as percent of all deaths
-------------------------------------------------
2.0,7.9,23.1,67.0,USA 122 cities week 42
1.0,5.9,20.0,73.1,USA 2009
0.6,2.9,12.1,84.4,England and Wales week 42
0.5,3.4,12.8,83.3,UK 2010
0.5,3.8,15.8,79.9,France 2010
0.2,2.4,13.0,84.3,Germany 2010


======================================================
continued here:
http://www.flutrackers.com/forum/showthread.php?t=201461
======================================================