Syndromic surveillance summary: 25 September 2025 week 38
Updated 16 October 2025
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Reporting week 38: 15 September to 21 September 2025
During week 38 there were continued increases in acute respiratory infection indicators across all syndromic systems, particularly in children aged under 15 years, in line with expected seasonal trends. There were also further increases observed in asthma and difficulty breathing indicators in children aged 1 to 4 and 5 to 14, in line with expected activity. Emergency department (ED) and GP in-hours bronchiolitis indicators increased in young children, again in line with seasonal expectations. ED and GP in-hours COVID-19-like indicators continued to increase during week 38.
Remote health advice syndromic surveillance system
During week 38 there was an increase in NHS 111 triaged calls and online assessments for acute respiratory infections, with calls increasing particularly in children aged under 15 years. These increases were in line with seasonally expected trends.
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GP in-hours syndromic surveillance system
During week 38, the GP in-hours COVID-19-like consultation rate continued to increase in adult age groups, most notably in the over 65 years. The consultation rates for upper and lower respiratory tract infections and acute presenting asthma continued to increase predominantly in children under 15 years, though smaller increases were also noted in the adult age groups (15 years and over). These increases were in line with seasonal expectations. The consultation rate for vomiting increased nationally, particularly in children aged less than 15 years.
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GP out-of-hours syndromic surveillance system
During week 38, GP out-of-hours daily contacts for acute respiratory infections and acute bronchitis/bronchiolitis increased within seasonally expected levels. These increases were mainly in children aged under 15 years. There was also a small increase in influenza-like illness contacts.
Contacts for difficulty breathing, wheezes or asthma in children aged 5 to 14 years stabilised, as expected following the start of the school autumn term. Contacts for chest pain also increased slightly nationally.
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Emergency department syndromic surveillance system
During week 38, ED attendances for acute respiratory infections increased, including acute bronchiolitis or bronchitis, COVID-19-like and pneumonia, but remained similar to the baseline levels expected (where baselines are available). Attendances for asthma also continued to increase in line with seasonally expected levels, particularly in children aged 1 to 14 years.
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Ambulance syndromic surveillance system
During week 38, daily ambulance calls for ‘difficulty breathing’ and ‘cardiac or respiratory arrest’ continued to increase but remained in line with seasonally expected levels.