HPS Weekly National Seasonal Respiratory Report - week ending 28 January 2018

In week 4, the overall assessment remains amber (moderate season activity).

• There has been a further significant reduction in the GP consultation rates for ILI which is highly suggestive that we have now passed the peak in GP consultations.
• The colour indicator for influenza in closed settings has reduced from amber to yellow (normal season activity). There is continuing reduction in virological detections of influenza in secondary care. Influenza B detections remain stable in secondary care settings.
• 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, 2 and 3, but ICU mortality due to laboratory confirmed influenza remains within normal seasonal range.
• Vaccine uptake rates increased in week 3. It’s not too late to be vaccinated - vaccination of those eligible for seasonal influenza remains the most important preventative measure to reduce influenza.
• 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.