Winter health watch summary: 28 January 2016

Published 31 March 2016

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1. Summary

1.1 Cold Weather alert

All regions in England have now returned to level 1 ‘winter preparedness and action’.

1.2 Flu

In week 3 2016 (ending 24 January 2016), influenza activity was at similar or higher levels across surveillance schemes, including GP influenza-like illness (ILI) consultation rates, the proportion of laboratory samples positive for influenza and influenza admissions to hospitals and ICU. The Department of Health has issued an alert on the prescription of antiviral medicines to the health service. Updated guidance on antiviral prescribing in secondary care when influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 is the dominant circulating strain has been published.

1.3 Syndromic surveillance

During week 3 2016, there were small increases in GP consultations for ILI and NHS 111 cold and flu calls. There was also an increase in GP consultations and NHS 111 calls for vomiting in children.

1.4 Norovirus

The number of laboratory reports of norovirus in this season (since week 27 2015) is 1885. This is 41% lower than the average number for the same period in the 5 seasons from season 2010 and 2011 to season 2014 and 2015 (3180), and 77% lower than the same weeks last season. Reports of outbreaks of diarrhoea and vomiting in hospitals continue to be reported but at lower levels than in previous years.

1.5 Rotavirus

The level of rotavirus laboratory reporting is currently at similar levels to previous years. The level of laboratory reports is 25% lower compared to the 10 season average (from season 2003 and 2004 to season 2012 and 2013).

1.6 All-cause mortality

No excess was seen in week 3 in England. So far this season, excess has been seen in England in under 5 year olds and 5 to 14 year olds in week 51, and in 15 to 64 year olds in weeks 50 and 52 with the EuroMoMo algorithm.