http://www.hpa.org.uk/web/HPAweb&HPAwebStandard/HPAweb_C/1287147913271
Report published 6 January 2011
Summary
GP and school closures over the Christmas period will have affected surveillance indicators so all data should be interpreted with caution. Indeed, several influenza indicators have apparently plateaued. GP consultation rates remain above baseline levels in all four countries. Influenza A H1N1 (2009) and B are the predominant circulating viruses with few, sporadic A (H3N2) viruses detected. The H1N1 (2009) virus strain is virologically and epidemiologically similar to that seen during the pandemic. The virus strains circulating are overall well matched to the current influenza vaccine.
details : of 783 patients in ICU
http://winterwatch.dh.gov.uk/health-data-6-jan-2011/
Report published 6 January 2011
Summary
GP and school closures over the Christmas period will have affected surveillance indicators so all data should be interpreted with caution. Indeed, several influenza indicators have apparently plateaued. GP consultation rates remain above baseline levels in all four countries. Influenza A H1N1 (2009) and B are the predominant circulating viruses with few, sporadic A (H3N2) viruses detected. The H1N1 (2009) virus strain is virologically and epidemiologically similar to that seen during the pandemic. The virus strains circulating are overall well matched to the current influenza vaccine.
- In week 52 (ending 26 December), the weekly influenza/influenza-like illness (ILI) consultation rates decreased in England (98.4 per 100,000) and Scotland (52.0 per 100,000), were stable in Wales (89.2 per 100,000) and increased in Northern Ireland (179.5 per 100,000).
- The weekly national proportions of NHS Direct calls for cold/flu and fever have decreased in week 52.
- Thirteen acute respiratory disease outbreaks were reported in UK in week 52, three in primary schools, seven in prisons and two in care homes. This brings the total reported this season so far to 135. It should be noted that most schools across the UK were on holiday in week 52.
- One-hundred and fourteen of 161 (70.8%) specimens from patients with ILI presenting to sentinel GPs in England in week 52, were reported as positive for influenza. The proportion of specimens reported to DataMart (England) as positive for influenza was 41.4% (2,047 of 4,941). The proportion of samples positive for RSV increased slightly and for rhinovirus continued to decrease.
- Currently the main circulating influenza strains are influenza A (H1N1) and influenza B.
- From week 36, 50 deaths associated with influenza infection have been reported. The majority of fatal cases reported were unimmunised.
- By week 52, the proportion of people in England aged over 65 years who had received the 2010/11 influenza vaccine was 70.0%. For those in a risk group aged under 65 it was 45.4%.
- In Europe several countries are starting to report influenza activity, primarily associated with influenza A H1N1 (2009). In the USA and Canada overall influenza activity has increased, associated primarily with influenza A (H3N2) and B viruses.
details : of 783 patients in ICU
http://winterwatch.dh.gov.uk/health-data-6-jan-2011/