Syndromic surveillance summary: 19 September 2026 week 38
Updated 24 September 2026
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Reporting week 38: 14 to 20 September 2026
There were increases acute respiratory indicators across all syndromic surveillance systems during week 38, particularly in child age groups up to 14 years. These increases were in line with seasonally expected trends. Increases in the ‘COVID-19-like’ and ‘influenza-like’ illness indicators were also observed.
Remote health advice syndromic surveillance system
During week 38, NHS 111 triaged calls and online assessments for acute respiratory infection increased, particularly in children aged up to 14 years, in line with seasonal expectations. Triaged calls for vomiting also increased and were above seasonal expectations.
Access the remote health advice syndromic surveillance bulletins
GP in-hours syndromic surveillance system
During week 38, there were continued increases in GP in-hours consultation rates for respiratory indicators, including COVID-19-like, upper and lower respiratory tract infections, influenza-like illness, bronchiolitis, acute bronchitis and acute presenting asthma. These increases were broadly in line with seasonally expected trends.
Access the GP in-hours syndromic surveillance bulletins
GP out-of-hours syndromic surveillance system
During week 38, daily contacts for ‘acute respiratory infections’ continued to increase, particularly in children aged 0 to 14 years, in line with the expected trend for this time of year. Daily contacts for ‘influenza-like illness’ also increased slightly, mainly in the 15-to-44-years age group, and are above seasonally expected levels. Contacts for ‘difficulty breathing/wheeze/asthma’ increased in week 38, particularly in the childhood age groups, but remain at seasonally expected levels. Contacts for ‘fever’ also increased, mainly in children aged under 5 years, but levels are below baseline.
Access the GP out-of-hours syndromic surveillance bulletins
Emergency department (ED) syndromic surveillance system
During week 38, total ED attendances, as well as attendances for acute respiratory infection, continued to increase, particularly in children aged up to 14 years, in line with seasonal expectations. There were also small increases in COVID-19-like- and influenza-like-illness attendances nationally.
Access the emergency department syndromic surveillance bulletins
Ambulance syndromic surveillance system
During week 38, daily ambulance calls for difficulty breathing continued to increase in line with seasonally expected trends.