United Kingdom - 2014-2015 Influenza Surveillance Reports

[Ronan Kelly]

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

Link to Public Health England; https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/weekly-national-flu-reports

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

Summary

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

...
https://www.gov.uk/government/uploa.../file/374716/Weekly_report_current_13_Nov.pdf

 

[Ronan Kelly]

Re: United Kingdom - 2014-2015 Influenza Surveillance Reports

PHE Weekly National Influenza Report
Summary of UK surveillance of influenza and other seasonal respiratory
illnesses
20 November 2014 ? Week 47 report (up to week 46 data)
https://www.gov.uk/government/uploa...data/file/377074/Weekly_report_current_47.pdf


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

 

[Ronan Kelly]

Re: United Kingdom - 2014-2015 Influenza Surveillance Reports

PHE Weekly National Influenza Report
Summary of UK surveillance of influenza and other seasonal respiratory
illnesses
27 November 2014 ? Week 48 report (up to week 47 data)
https://www.gov.uk/government/uploa...data/file/380392/Weekly_report_current_48.pdf

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

 

[Ronan Kelly]

Re: United Kingdom - 2014-2015 Influenza Surveillance Reports

PHE Weekly National Influenza Report
Summary of UK surveillance of influenza and other seasonal respiratory
illnesses
4 December 2014 ? Week 49 report (up to week 48 data)
https://www.gov.uk/government/uploa...ata/file/383003/Weekly_report_current._49.pdf

Summary

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

 

[Ronan Kelly]

Re: United Kingdom - 2014-2015 Influenza Surveillance Reports

PHE Weekly National Influenza Report
Summary of UK surveillance of influenza and other seasonal respiratory
illnesses
11 December 2014 – Week 50 report (up to week 49 data)
https://www.gov.uk/government/uploa...data/file/386102/Weekly_report_current_50.pdf

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

 

[Ronan Kelly]

Re: United Kingdom - 2014-2015 Influenza Surveillance Reports

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

[Ronan Kelly]

PHE Weekly National Influenza Report
Summary of UK surveillance of influenza and other seasonal respiratory
illnesses
24 December 2014 ? Week 52 report (up to week 51 data)
https://www.gov.uk/government/uploa...file/390846/Weekly_report_current_week_52.pdf

Summary
In week 51 2014 (ending 21 December), across all indicators influenza activity increased nationally. Overall, levels
are now similar to the peak in flu activity observed in the last three seasons, but have not reached the levels seen
in the last notable seasons of 2010/11 and 2008/09. The Department of Health have issued an alert on the
prescription of antiviral medicines by GPs.
 Community influenza surveillance
o In week 51 syndromic surveillance indicators for influenza continued to increase across all systems.
o 16 in care homes (1 flu A(H3), 2 flu A(untyped) and 13 not tested), nine in hospitals (5 flu A(untyped), and 4 not
tested), and 4 in schools (all not tested).
o The FluSurvey project, internet-based surveillance of influenza in the general population, is now running. For
information on how to participate, please see the website.
 Overall weekly influenza GP consultation rates across the UK
o In week 51, overall weekly influenza-like illness (ILI) GP consultations increased in Wales (14.9 per 100,000) and
remained low in Scotland (11.6 per 100,000) and Northern Ireland (17.5 per 100,000)).
o The weekly ILI consultation rate per 100,000 population through the GP In Hours Syndromic Surveillance system
continued to increase in week 51 (18.4 per 100 000).
 Influenza-confirmed hospitalisations
o 43 new admissions to ICU/HDU with confirmed influenza (35 A unknown subtype and five A(H3N2)) were reported
through the USISS mandatory ICU/HDU surveillance scheme across the UK (88 Trusts in England) in week 51, a
rate of 0.15 per 100,000 compared to 0.08 per 100,000 the previous week.
o 33 new hospitalised laboratory confirmed influenza cases (26 influenza A(H3N2) and seven A unknown subtype)
were reported through the USISS sentinel hospital network across England (11 Trusts), a rate of 0.92 per 100,000
compared to 0.48 per 100,000 the previous week.
 All-cause mortality data
o In week 51 2014, where data was available no excess all-cause mortality by week of death was seen across the
UK through the EuroMOMO algorithm.
 Microbiological surveillance
o 36 samples were positive for influenza through the UK GP sentinel swabbing schemes in week 51 (34 A(H3) and
two A(not subtyped), positivity of 49.3% compared to 24.5% the previous week (updated)).
o In week 51 2014, 300 influenza positive detections were recorded through the DataMart scheme (232 A(H3), 67
A(not subtyped) and one A(H1N1)pdm09, positivity of 22.2% compared to 16.0% the previous week), with the
highest positivity by age group in 5-14 year olds at 33.3%.
o The majority of influenza A(H3N2) viruses isolated and characterised by the PHE Respiratory Virus Unit were
similar to the Northern Hemisphere 2014/15 vaccine strain, however three (14%) showed reduced reactivity and
were similar to the H3N2 virus selected for the 2015 Southern Hemisphere influenza vaccine. PHE is continuing
to monitor the situation.
 Vaccination
o Up to week 51 2014 in 93% of GP practices reporting weekly to Immform, the provisional proportion of people in
England who had received the 2014/15 influenza vaccine in targeted groups was as follows: 71.1% in 65+ year
olds, 48.0% in under 65 years in a clinical risk group, 42.5% in pregnant women, 36.2% in all 2 year olds, 38.7%
in all 3 year olds and 30.4% in all 4 year olds.
o Provisional data from the second monthly collection of influenza vaccine uptake by frontline healthcare workers
show 48.2% were vaccinated by 30 November 2014 from 97.0% of Trusts, compared to 48.6% vaccinated the
previous season by 30 November 2013.
o Provisional data from the second monthly collection of influenza vaccine uptake up to 30 November 2014 by
targeted groups has been published. The report provides uptake at national, area team and CCG level.
 International situation
o Globally, influenza activity continued to increase in the northern hemisphere and in several countries has passed
the seasonal threshold, with influenza A(H3N2) predominating so far. In the European Region, influenza activity
remained low but was increasing.
...
-In week 51, 43 new admissions to ICU/HDU with confirmed influenza infection (35 A unknown subtype and five
A(H3N2)) were reported across the UK (88/156 Trusts in England) through the USISS mandatory ICU scheme
(Figures 5 and 6), a rate of 0.15 per 100,000 compared to 0.08 per 100,000 the previous week. Four new
confirmed influenza deaths were reported in week 51 2014. A total of 129 admissions (102 A unknown subtype,
19 A(H3), five B and 3 A(H1N1)pdm09) and 10 confirmed influenza deaths have been reported since week 40
2014.
...

 

[Ronan Kelly]

PHE Weekly National Influenza Report
Summary of UK surveillance of influenza and other seasonal respiratory
illnesses
31 December 2014 ? Week 1 report (up to week 52 data)
https://www.gov.uk/government/uploa...a/file/391472/Weekly_report_current_week1.pdf

Summary
In week 52 2014 (ending 28 December), allowing for Christmas reporting breaks, across indicators influenza
activity remained at broadly similar levels to those reported the previous week. Overall, levels remain similar to
the peak of flu activity observed in the last three seasons, but have not reached the levels seen in the last notable
seasons of 2010/11 and 2008/09. The Department of Health have issued an alert on the prescription of antiviral
medicines by GPs.
 Community influenza surveillance
o In week 52 syndromic surveillance indicators for respiratory infections, including influenza-like illness, continued
to increase across all systems.
o 14 new acute respiratory outbreaks were reported in the last seven days: 10 in care homes (one flu A(untyped)
and nine not tested), three in hospitals (two flu A(untyped) and one no result available), and one in a school (not
tested).
 Overall weekly influenza GP consultation rates across the UK
o Due to bank holidays in week 52 (ending 28 December 2014), GP surgeries were only open for three days ? data
should therefore be interpreted with caution.
o In week 52, overall weekly influenza-like illness (ILI) GP consultations remained elevated in Wales (11.4 per
100,000) and low in Scotland (17.4 per 100,000) and Northern Ireland (10.4 per 100,000)).
o The weekly ILI consultation rate through the GP In Hours Syndromic Surveillance system remained elevated in
week 52 at 11.4 per 100,000.
 Influenza-confirmed hospitalisations
o 45 new admissions to ICU/HDU with confirmed influenza (28 A unknown subtype, 13 A(H3N2), 3 influenza
A(H1N1)pdm09 and 1 influenza B) were reported through the USISS mandatory ICU/HDU surveillance scheme
across the UK (82 Trusts in England) in week 52, a rate of 0.18 per 100,000 compared to 0.21 per 100,000 the
previous week.
o 97 new hospitalised confirmed influenza cases (55 influenza A(H3N2), 38 A unknown subtype, 2 influenza
A(H1N1)pdm09 and 2 influenza B) were reported through the USISS sentinel hospital network across England
(14 Trusts), a rate of 0.90 per 100,000 compared to 0.77 per 100,000 the previous week.
 All-cause mortality data
o In week 51 2014, where data was available no excess all-cause mortality by week of death was seen across the
UK through the EuroMOMO algorithm.
 Microbiological surveillance
o 31 samples were positive for influenza through the UK GP sentinel swabbing schemes in week 52 (29 A(H3), one
A(H1N1)pdm09 and one B, positivity of 37.3% compared to 28.9% the previous week (updated)).
o In week 52 2014, 328 influenza positive detections were recorded through the DataMart scheme (239 A(H3), 88
A(not subtyped), one A(H1N1)pdm09 and five B, positivity of 30.8% compared to 28.1% the previous week, with
the highest positivity by age group in 65+ year olds at 41.3%).
o The majority of influenza A(H3N2) viruses isolated and characterised by the PHE Respiratory Virus Unit were
similar to the Northern Hemisphere 2014/15 vaccine strain, however three (14%) showed reduced reactivity and
were similar to the H3N2 virus selected for the 2015 Southern Hemisphere influenza vaccine. PHE is continuing
to monitor the situation.
 Vaccination
o Up to week 52 2014 in 92% of GP practices reporting weekly to Immform, the provisional proportion of people in
England who had received the 2014/15 influenza vaccine in targeted groups was as follows: 71.3% in 65+ year
olds, 48.4% in under 65 years in a clinical risk group, 42.9% in pregnant women, 36.7% in all 2 year olds, 39.2%
in all 3 year olds and 31.0% in all 4 year olds.
o Provisional data from the second monthly collection of influenza vaccine uptake by frontline healthcare workers
show 48.2% were vaccinated by 30 November 2014 from 97.0% of Trusts.
 International situation
o Globally, influenza activity continued to increase in the northern hemisphere with influenza A(H3N2)
predominating so far. In the European Region, influenza activity remained low but continued to increase.
...
-In week 52, 45 new admissions to ICU/HDU with confirmed influenza infection (28 A unknown subtype, 13
A(H3N2), 3 influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 and 1 influenza B) were reported across the UK (82/156 Trusts in
England) through the USISS mandatory ICU scheme (Figures 5 and 6), a rate of 0.18 per 100,000 compared to
0.21 per 100,000 the previous week. Two new confirmed influenza deaths were reported in week 52 2014. A
total of 230 admissions (179 A unknown subtype, 35 A(H3), 8 B and 8 A(H1N1)pdm09) and 17 confirmed
influenza deaths have been reported since week 40 2014.
...

 

[Ronan Kelly]

PHE Weekly National Influenza Report
Summary of UK surveillance of influenza and other seasonal respiratory
illnesses
8 January 2015 ? Week 2 report (up to week 1 data)
https://www.gov.uk/government/uploa...t_data/file/393628/Weekly_report_currentx.pdf

Summary
In week 1 2015 (ending 4 January), allowing for bank holiday reporting breaks, across indicators influenza activity was
at similar or higher levels than those reported the previous week. Overall, levels are now higher than the peak of flu
activity observed in the last three seasons, but have not reached the levels seen in the last notable seasons of 2010/11
and 2008/09. The Department of Health have issued an alert on the prescription of antiviral medicines by GPs.
 Community influenza surveillance
o In week 1 syndromic surveillance indicators for respiratory infections, including influenza-like illness, decreased in
children, however there were further increases in adults and particularly in the elderly.
o 74 new acute respiratory outbreaks were reported in the last seven days: 60 in care homes (13 A(untyped), one A(H3)
and the rest not tested/results not available yet), 12 in hospitals (6 A(untyped), one A (untyped)/B and the others no
results yet), and two in schools (not tested).
 Overall weekly influenza GP consultation rates across the UK
o Due to bank holidays in week 1 (ending 4 January 2015), GP surgeries were only open for four days (three in
Scotland) ? data should therefore be interpreted with caution.
o In week 1, overall weekly influenza-like illness (ILI) GP consultations increased in Wales (23.4 per 100,000) and
Northern Ireland (26.1 per 100,000) but remained stable in Scotland (18.6 per 100,000).
o The weekly ILI consultation rate through the GP In Hours Syndromic Surveillance system remained elevated in week
1 at 18.3 per 100,000.
 Influenza-confirmed hospitalisations
o 107 new admissions to ICU/HDU with confirmed influenza (67 A unknown subtype, 32 A(H3N2), seven influenza
A(H1N1)pdm09 and one influenza B) were reported through the USISS mandatory ICU/HDU surveillance scheme
across the UK (124 Trusts in England) in week 1, a rate of 0.24 per 100,000 compared to 0.27 per 100,000 the
previous week.
o 184 new hospitalised confirmed influenza cases (127 influenza A(H3N2), 51 A unknown subtype, four influenza B and
two influenza A(H1N1)pdm09) were reported through the USISS sentinel hospital network across England (24 Trusts),
a rate of 1.99 per 100,000 compared to 1.40 per 100,000 the previous week.
 All-cause mortality data
o Where data was available, up to week 51 2014 no excess all-cause mortality by week of death was seen through the
EuroMOMO algorithm in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. In Scotland, up to week 1 2015, excess mortality was
seen in week 51 2014 and 1 2015.
 Microbiological surveillance
o 78 samples were positive for influenza through the UK GP sentinel swabbing schemes in week 1 (65 A(H3), eight
A(not subtyped) and two B, positivity of 42.2% compared to 40.5% the previous week (updated)).
o In week 1 2015, 512 influenza positive detections were recorded through the DataMart scheme (461 A(H3), 34 A(not
subtyped), nine A(H1N1)pdm09 and eight B, positivity of 31.7% compared to 33.5% the previous week, with the
highest positivity by age group in 65+ year olds at 44.6%).
o The majority of influenza A(H3N2) viruses isolated and characterised by the PHE Respiratory Virus Unit were similar
to the Northern Hemisphere 2014/15 vaccine strain, however five (21%) showed reduced reactivity and were similar to
the H3N2 virus selected for the 2015 Southern Hemisphere influenza vaccine. PHE is continuing to monitor the
situation.
 Vaccination
o Up to week 1 2015 in 93% of GP practices reporting weekly to Immform, the provisional proportion of people in
England who had received the 2014/15 influenza vaccine in targeted groups was as follows: 71.7% in 65+ year olds,
48.9% in under 65 years in a clinical risk group, 43.1% in pregnant women, 37.2% in all 2 year olds, 39.8% in all 3
year olds and 31.5% in all 4 year olds.
o Provisional data from the second monthly collection of influenza vaccine uptake by frontline healthcare workers show
48.2% were vaccinated by 30 November 2014 from 97.0% of Trusts.
 International situation
o Globally, influenza activity continued to increase in the northern hemisphere with influenza A(H3N2) predominating so
far. In the European Region, the influenza season appears to be starting, with influenza A(H3N2) viruses the
predominant viruses detected across all surveillance systems.
...
In week 1, 107 new admissions to ICU/HDU with confirmed influenza (67 A unknown subtype, 32 A(H3N2),
seven influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 and one influenza B) were reported across the UK (124/156 Trusts in England)
through the USISS mandatory ICU scheme (Figures 5 and 6), a rate of 0.24 per 100,000 compared to 0.27 per
100,000 the previous week. 14 new confirmed influenza deaths were reported in week 1 2015. A total of 426
admissions (323 A unknown subtype, 78 A(H3N2), 16 A(H1N1)pdm09) and nine B) and 41 confirmed influenza
deaths have been reported since week 40 2014.
...
https://www.gov.uk/government/uploa...t_data/file/393628/Weekly_report_currentx.pdf

 

[Ronan Kelly]

PHE Weekly National Influenza Report
Summary of UK surveillance of influenza and other seasonal respiratory illnesses
15 January 2015 ? Week 3 report (up to week 2 data)
https://www.gov.uk/government/uploa...a/file/395627/Weekly_report_current_15jan.pdf

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

 

[Ronan Kelly]

PHE Weekly National Influenza Report
Summary of UK surveillance of influenza and other seasonal respiratoryillnesses
22 January 2015 ? Week 4 report (up to week 3 data)
https://www.gov.uk/government/uploa...file/397454/Weekly_report_current_week_4x.pdf

Summary

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

 

[Ronan Kelly]

PHE Weekly National Influenza Report Summary of UK surveillance of influenza and other seasonal respiratory illnesses 29 January 2015 ? Week 5 report (up to week 4 data)
https://www.gov.uk/government/uploa...file/399638/Weekly_report_currentx_week_5.pdf

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 International situation
o Globally influenza activity was high in the northern hemisphere with influenza A(H3N2) viruses predominating so far this season. In the European Region, the influenza season is well underway, in particular in western and northern European countries, with influenza A(H3N2) the predominant virus detected across all surveillance systems.
...
-In week 4, 60 new admissions to ICU/HDU with confirmed influenza (43 A unknown subtype, 10 A(H3N2), four influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 and three influenza B) were reported across the UK (135/156 Trusts in England) through the USISS mandatory ICU scheme (Figures 6 and 7), a rate of 0.13 per 100,000 compared to 0.17 per 100,000 the previous week. Three new confirmed influenza deaths were reported in week 4 2015. A total of 741 admissions (533 A unknown subtype, 153 A(H3N2), 36 A(H1N1)pdm09) and 19 B) and 66 confirmed influenza deaths have been reported since week 40 2014.
...

 

[Ronan Kelly]

Death rate running third higher - ONS

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

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

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

Experts say flu could be the driving force, as this winter's prevalent strain particularly hits the elderly.
...
http://www.bbc.com/news/health-31124320

Weekly Provisional Figures on Deaths Registered in England and Wales, Week Ending 23/01/2015
http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/publicatio...cm%3A77-353155

 

[Ronan Kelly]

PHE Weekly National Influenza Report
Summary of UK surveillance of influenza and other seasonal respiratory
illnesses
5 February 2015 ? Week 6 report (up to week 5 data)
https://www.gov.uk/government/uploa.../file/401549/Weekly_report_current_week_6.pdf

Summary

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In week 5, 35 new admissions to ICU/HDU with confirmed influenza (24 A unknown subtype, eight A(H3N2), one influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 and two B) were reported across the UK (124/156 Trusts in England) through the USISS mandatory ICU scheme (Figures 6 and 7), a rate of 0.08 per 100,000 compared to 0.15 per 100,000 the previous week. Three new confirmed influenza deaths were reported in week 5 2015. A total of 796 admissions (567 A unknown subtype, 168 A(H3N2), 39 A(H1N1)pdm09) and 22 B) and 76 confirmed influenza deaths have been reported since week 40 2014.
...
https://www.gov.uk/government/uploa.../file/401549/Weekly_report_current_week_6.pdf

 

[Ronan Kelly]

PHE Weekly National Influenza Report
Summary of UK surveillance of influenza and other seasonal respiratory illnesses
12 February 2015 ? Week 7 report (up to week 6 data)
https://www.gov.uk/government/uploa...file/403551/Weekly_report_current._week_7.pdf

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

[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/uploa.../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/uploa...kly_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/uploa...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 &#150; 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/uploa...01/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.
...