HPS Monthly National Seasonal Respiratory Report - week ending 25 March 2018

In week 12, the overall assessment remains green (below baseline activity).

• GP consultation rate for influenza-like illness (ILI) remains below the baseline threshold for normal seasonal activity.
• The colour indicator for influenza in closed settings remains yellow (normal season activity). Virological detections of influenza in secondary care continue to reduce.
• In week 12, no statistically significant all-cause mortality excess was observed. It is difficult to assess the contribution of influenza to the very high* statistically significant excess in all-cause mortality reported in weeks 52, 1 and 2, but ICU mortality due to laboratory confirmed influenza remains below expected seasonal range.
• Vaccine uptake rates increased in week 12 and are similar or greater than the same time in season 2016/17.
• An increase in community circulation of influenza prompted the issue of a CMO letter in week 50 and the advice that GPs may prescribe antivirals remains in force.