Winter health watch summary: 30 January 2014
Published 30 January 2014
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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.
The majority of indicators of influenza activity are at similar levels in week 4 compared to week 3, although the number of influenza-confirmed admissions to ICU/HDU has increased. A letter has now been issued recommending the use of antivirals where appropriate.
Syndromic surveillance report that nationally, there have been slight increases in selected respiratory indicators during week 4 including acute respiratory and upper respiratory tract infections, particularly in children aged 0 to 4 years. Indicators for influenza-like illness remained stable during week 4 and below seasonally expected levels.
Norovirus activity is low. Reports of outbreaks of diarrhoea and vomiting in hospitals continue to be reported but at lower levels than in previous years. The number of laboratory reports of norovirus in the season to date is lower than the 5 year seasonal average (from season 2007 to 2008 to season 2011 to 2012).
Rotavirus activity is low, laboratory reports are lower than the 10 year average (2002 to 2011).
In week 4 of 2014, no excess all-cause mortality by week of death was seen across the UK through the EuroMOMO algorithm, and none has been reported since week 40 of 2013.
2. Surveillance reports, updated weekly
PHE syndromic surveillance page
PHE national seasonal influenza report
PHE weekly all-cause mortality surveillance
3. Further information
NHS England winter health check
Met Office Get Ready for Winter