Flu And Covid-19 Surveillance Report Published - Covid Down Flu Up

20th December 2024

Weekly national influenza and COVID-19 report, COVID-19 activity, seasonal flu and other seasonal respiratory illnesses.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA)'s COVID-19, influenza (flu), RSV and norovirus surveillance bulletin (formally Weekly Winter Briefing) brings together the latest surveillance data, along with the latest public health advice for COVID-19, flu, RSV and Norovirus.

In week 50:

COVID-19 activity decreased across most indicators and was at baseline levels.
Influenza (flu) activity increased across all indicators and was at medium activity levels.
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) activity decreased across most indicators and was circulating at low levels of activity.

COVID-19 surveillance data for week 50
COVID-19 activity decreased across most indicators and was circulating at baseline levels
COVID-19 positivity in hospital settings decreased slightly with a weekly mean positivity rate of 3.4%, compared to 3.7% in the previous week
COVID-19 hospitalisations decreased to 1.48 per 100,000 compared to 1.71 per 100,000 in the previous week
COVID-19 ICU admissions remained stable at 0.06 per 100,000 compared with 0.06 per 100,000 in the previous week
There were 13 COVID-19 acute respiratory incidents reported in week 50
The highest hospital admission rate was in the South-West at 2.25 per 100,000, increasing from 1.76 per 100,000 in the previous week
Those aged 85 years and over had the highest hospital admission rate, which remained stable at 17.05 per 100,000 compared with 17.58 in the previous week
Up to the end of week 50, 23.2% of those under 65 years in a clinical risk group and 58.6% of all people aged over 65 years old, who are living and resident in England had been vaccinated with an Autumn 2024 booster dose
Flu surveillance data for week 50
Influenza activity increased across all indicators and was circulating at medium levels
Influenza positivity increased with a weekly mean positivity rate of 21.7% in week 50 compared to 17.3% in the previous week. This is based on a percentage of people who test positive among those with symptoms tested at sentinel ‘spotter' laboratories, reported through the Respiratory DataMart surveillance system
overall, influenza hospitalisations increased to 8.72 per 100,000, compared with 5.79 per 100,000 in the previous week.
the weekly influenza-like illnesses (ILI) General Practice (GP) consultation rate increased to 12.1 per 100,000 compared with 8.5 per 100,000 in the previous week.
for the 2024/2025 season's vaccination programme, children and pregnant women have been eligible since 1 September, whilst clinical risk groups, older adults (those aged 65 years and over) and frontline healthcare workers have been eligible since 3 October. Up to the end of week 50, vaccine uptake stands at 37.6% of those under 65 years in a clinical risk group, 33.1% in all pregnant women and 73% in all those aged 65 years and over. 40.3% of children aged 2 years of age and 41.6% of children aged 3 years of age have been vaccinated.
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) surveillance data for week 50
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) activity decreased across most indicators and was circulating at low levels overall
emergency department attendances for acute bronchiolitis decreased
RSV positivity decreased slightly to 11.8% compared with 12.6% in the previous week
overall, hospital admissions decreased to 2.81 per 100,000 compared with 3.22 per 100,000 in the previous week
Dr Mary Ramsay, Director of Public Health Programmes at the UK Health Security Agency, said:

Flu cases and hospitalisations are continuing to increase this week so it’s vital that those eligible take up this last opportunity to book your jab through the NHS national booking system.

The system closes after today and then you will only be able to get the vaccine through GPs and pharmacies during their festive opening hours.

There are other ways you can protect friends and family over the holiday season. If you are showing symptoms of flu or COVID-19 such as a high temperature, cough and feeling tired and achy, try to limit your contact with others, especially those who are vulnerable. Washing your hands regularly and using tissues can reduce the spread of respiratory illnesses.

For more details go to
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/flu-and-covid-19-surveillance-report-published