All regions of England have been at Cold Weather Alert Level 1 ‘winter preparedness and action’ since 1 November 2013. Indicators of influenza activity are at low levels suggesting minimal transmission at present, though respiratory syncytial virus ( RSV ) is continuing to circulate. Syndromic surveillance indicates that there have been further national increases in acute respiratory infection, and bronchitis and bronchiolitis, particularly in children in the under 5 years age group, in line with seasonal expectations. This is consistent with increasing RSV activity. Reports of norovirus outbreaks in hospitals have continued to increase. However, despite the number of laboratory reports of norovirus in the current week increasing, it is still lower than the 5 year seasonal average (covering winter seasons from 2007 to 2012). Rotavirus activity is low, laboratory reports are at the expected level for the time of year. No significant excess all-cause mortality was reported across the UK in week 49 2013 (1 December to 7 December).

Public Health
England

Research and analysis

Winter health watch summary: 12 December 2013

Q: 4. Planning resources

Cold weather plan 2013 Flu plan: Winter 2013 to 2014 by DH , NHS England and PHE

Updated 13 December 2013

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1. Summary

All regions of England have been at Cold Weather Alert Level 1 ‘winter preparedness and action’ since 1 November 2013.
Indicators of influenza activity are at low levels suggesting minimal transmission at present, though respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is continuing to circulate.
Syndromic surveillance indicates that there have been further national increases in acute respiratory infection, and bronchitis and bronchiolitis, particularly in children in the under 5 years age group, in line with seasonal expectations. This is consistent with increasing RSV activity.
Reports of norovirus outbreaks in hospitals have continued to increase. However, despite the number of laboratory reports of norovirus in the current week increasing, it is still lower than the 5 year seasonal average (covering winter seasons from 2007 to 2012).
Rotavirus activity is low, laboratory reports are at the expected level for the time of year.
No significant excess all-cause mortality was reported across the UK in week 49 2013 (1 December to 7 December).