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 minimal levels suggesting no community transmission at present, though RSV is currently circulating. Syndromic surveillance indicates that there have been further national increases in acute respiratory infection and increases in acute emergency department attendances, particularly in children, in line with seasonal expectations. This is consistent with increasing respiratory syncytial virus ( RSV ) activity, observed through microbiological surveillance. No significant excess all-cause mortality was reported across the UK in week 46 (11 November to 17 November 2013). Norovirus activity is low. The number of laboratory reports of norovirus in the current week is lower than the 5 year seasonal average (covering winter seasons from 2007 to 2012). Rotavirus activity is low and at around levels expected for this time of year.

Public Health
England

Research and analysis

Winter health watch summary: 21 November 2013

Q: 4. Planning resources

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

Published 21 November 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 minimal levels suggesting no community transmission at present, though RSV is currently circulating.
Syndromic surveillance indicates that there have been further national increases in acute respiratory infection and increases in acute emergency department attendances, particularly in children, in line with seasonal expectations. This is consistent with increasing respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) activity, observed through microbiological surveillance.
No significant excess all-cause mortality was reported across the UK in week 46 (11 November to 17 November 2013).
Norovirus activity is low. The number of laboratory reports of norovirus in the current week is lower than the 5 year seasonal average (covering winter seasons from 2007 to 2012).
Rotavirus activity is low and at around levels expected for this time of year.