2011-2012: HPA Weekly National Influenza Reports.

[Ronan Kelly]

2010-2011 thread here; http://www.flutrackers.com/forum/sho...d.php?t=156296

Summary of UK surveillance of influenza and other seasonal respiratory illnesses
6 October 2011? Week 40

Influenza activity and GP consultation rates remain low in
the UK (Figure 1).
In week 39 (ending 2 October), the weekly
influenza/influenza-like illness (ILI) consultation rate was low
in England (4.5 per 100,000), Scotland (33.5 per 100,000 in
week 38), Wales (8.4 per 100,000) and Northern Ireland
(13.3 per 100,000). The QSurveillance ILI rate was also low
(4.9 per 100,000).
The weekly proportion of NHS Direct calls for cold/flu in all
ages and fever in the 5-14 year group for week 37 (0.7%
and 4.9% respectively) remains below threshold levels.

...

All ten samples submitted in week 39 through the English
GP-based sentinel schemes were negative for influenza.
In week 39, all of the 344 respiratory specimens reported to
the English Respiratory DataMart system were negative for
influenza (Figure 2). Proportions of specimens positive were
unchanged for parainfluenza (3.7%), adenovirus (3.8%),
rhinovirus (27.1%), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) (1.0%)
and hMPV (0.4%).
One influenza A/H1N1 (2009) virus has been characterised
since week 20 by the HPA Respiratory Virus Unit and is
similar to the A/California/07/2009 vaccine strain.
No new influenza A/H1N1 (2009) viruses have been found to
carry the H275Y mutation which confers resistance to the
antiviral drug oseltamivir since week 20.

...

In week 38, the Office for National Statistics reported 8,527 all-cause estimated death registrations in
England and Wales, slightly less than the 8,612 reported in week 37 and remaining within expected
levels for this time of year as calculated by the HPA.

...

http://www.hpa.org.uk/web/HPAwebFile/HPAweb_C/1317130965576

[Ronan Kelly]

Re: 2011-2012: HPA Weekly National Influenza Reports. Week 40

Summary of UK surveillance of influenza and other seasonal respiratory illnesses
13 October 2011 ? Week 41

Summary
HPA Weekly National Influenza Report
Summary of UK surveillance of influenza and other seasonal respiratory illnesses
13 October 2011 ? Week 41
Influenza activity in week 40 2011 in the UK remains low. Influenza activity remains low in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. o In week 40 (ending 9 October), the weekly primary care ILI consultation rate was low in England (5.2 per 100,000), Wales (4.6 per 100,000), Northern Ireland (14.6 per 100,000) and Scotland (7.6 per 100,000).
o The proportion of NHS Direct calls for cold/flu and fever was below threshold levels.
o No acute respiratory disease outbreaks were reported in week 40. Virology
o Two respiratory specimens reported to Data Mart (England) out of 305 were positive for influenza (influenza A/H1N1 (2009) and influenza B). The proportion of positive samples remained stable for adenovirus, rhinovirus, hMPV, RSV and parainfluenza. Mortality
o Excess all cause mortality remains within expected levels for this time of year as calculated by the HPA. Influenza vaccination
o Up to the week ending 9 October, 23.5% of people in England aged 65 years and over had received the 2011/12 influenza vaccine (provisional data). For those in a clinical risk group aged under 65 years, provisional uptake was 12.8%.
o Amongst pregnant women the provisional uptake was 4.7%.

International situation
o Global influenza activity remains low in the temperate regions of the northern hemisphere, with some transmission reported in countries in the tropical zone.
o Influenza activity is decreasing or low in the temperate regions of the southern hemisphere.

...

http://www.hpa.org.uk/webc/HPAwebFile/HPAweb_C/1317131035819

[Ronan Kelly]

Re: 2011-2012: HPA Weekly National Influenza Reports.

HPA Weekly National Influenza Report
Summary of UK surveillance of influenza and other seasonal respiratory illnesses
20 October 2011 ? Week 42

Summary
HPA Weekly National Influenza Report
Summary of UK surveillance of influenza and other seasonal respiratory illnesses
20 October 2011 ? Week 42

Influenza activity in week 41 2011 in the UK remains low. Influenza activity remains low in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
o In week 41 (ending 16 October), the weekly primary care ILI consultation rate was low in England (6.5 per 100,000), Wales (7.6 per 100,000), Northern Ireland (18.1 per 100,000) and Scotland (6.4 per 100,000).
o The proportion of NHS Direct calls for cold/flu and fever were below threshold levels.
o One acute respiratory disease outbreak of influenza A was reported in week
41.

Virology
o None of the 402 respiratory specimens reported to Data Mart (England) tested positive for influenza. The proportion of positive samples increased slightly for parainfluenza, decreased slightly for rhinovirus and remained stable for adenovirus, hMPV and RSV.

Mortality
o Excess all cause mortality remains within expected levels for this time of year as calculated by the HPA.

Influenza vaccination
o Up to the week ending 16 October, 38.0% of people in England aged 65 years and over had received the 2011/12 influenza vaccine (provisional data). For those in a clinical risk group aged under 65 years, provisional uptake was 20.9%.
o Amongst pregnant women the provisional uptake was 8.0%.

...

http://www.hpa.org.uk/webc/HPAwebFile/HPAweb_C/1317131121583

[Ronan Kelly]

Re: 2011-2012: HPA Weekly National Influenza Reports.

HPA Weekly National Influenza Report
Summary of UK surveillance of influenza and other seasonal respiratory illnesses
27 October 2011 ? Week 43

Summary
HPA Weekly National Influenza Report
Summary of UK surveillance of influenza and other seasonal respiratory illnesses
27 October 2011 ? Week 43
Influenza activity in week 42 2011 in the UK remains low. Influenza activity remains low in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. o In week 42 (ending 23 October), the weekly primary care ILI consultation rate was low in England (6.2 per 100,000), Wales (5.3 per 100,000), Northern Ireland (17.5 per 100,000) and Scotland (8.7 per 100,000).
o The proportion of NHS Direct calls for cold/flu and fever were below threshold levels.
o One outbreak (due to flu A H3) has been reported since week 40. No outbreaks were reported in week 42. Virology
o One (0.2%) of the 444 respiratory specimens reported to Data Mart (England) tested positive for influenza B. The proportion of positive samples increased for RSV, decreased slightly for rhinovirus and adenovirus and remained stable for hMPV and parainfluenza. Disease severity and mortality
o Two new admissions of confirmed influenza cases to ICU have been reported across the UK.
o Excess all cause mortality remains within expected levels for this time of year for England, Scotland and Wales as calculated by the HPA. Influenza vaccination
o Up to the week ending 23 October, 48.7% of people in England aged 65 years and over had received the 2011/12 influenza vaccine (provisional data). For those in a clinical risk group aged under 65 years, provisional uptake was 27.5%.
o Amongst pregnant women the provisional uptake was 11.0%.

...

http://www.hpa.org.uk/webc/HPAwebFile/HPAweb_C/1317131208407

[Ronan Kelly]

Re: 2011-2012: HPA Weekly National Influenza Reports.

HPA Weekly National Influenza Report
Summary of UK surveillance of influenza and other seasonal respiratory illnesses
3 November 2011 ? Week 44

Summary
HPA Weekly National Influenza Report
Summary of UK surveillance of influenza and other seasonal respiratory illnesses
3 November 2011 ? Week 44
Influenza activity in week 43 2011 in the UK remains low. Influenza activity remains low in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
o In week 43 (ending 30 October), the weekly primary care ILI consultation rate was low in England (8.2 per 100,000), Wales (2.3 per 100,000), Northern Ireland (14.2 per 100,000) and Scotland (10.3 per 100,000).
o The proportion of NHS Direct calls for cold/flu and fever were below threshold levels.
o One outbreak of acute respiratory illness was reported in week 43. Virology
o Two (0.4%) of the 478 respiratory specimens reported to Data Mart (England) tested positive for influenza A (A(H1N1)pdm09 and A(H3)). The proportion of positive samples increased for rhinovirus and adenovirus and remained stable for RSV, hMPV and parainfluenza.
o Positivity in the sentinel GP scheme was 0% in week 43. Disease severity and mortality
o One new admission to ICU of a confirmed influenza case was reported across the UK in week 43.
o Excess all cause mortality remains within expected levels for this time of year for England, Wales and Scotland as calculated by the HPA. Influenza vaccination
o Up to the week ending 30 October, 54.8% of people in England aged 65 years and over had received the 2011/12 influenza vaccine (provisional data). For those in a clinical risk group aged under 65 years, provisional uptake was 32.2%.
o Amongst pregnant women, the provisional uptake was 13.5%.

...

http://www.hpa.org.uk/webc/HPAwebFile/HPAweb_C/1317131319258

[Ronan Kelly]

Re: 2011-2012: HPA Weekly National Influenza Reports.

HPA Weekly National Influenza Report
Summary of UK surveillance of influenza and other seasonal respiratory illnesses
10 November 2011 – Week 45


Influenza activity in week 44 2011 in the UK remains low.
Influenza activity remains low in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
o In week 44 (ending 6 November), the weekly primary care ILI consultation rate
was low in England (6.6 per 100,000), Wales (2.9 per 100,000), Northern
Ireland (14.0 per 100,000) and Scotland (8.9 per 100,000).
o The proportion of NHS Direct calls for cold/flu and fever were below threshold
levels.
o No new acute respiratory disease outbreaks were reported in week 44.

Virology
o None of the 442 respiratory specimens reported to Data Mart (England) tested
positive for influenza in week 44. The proportion of positive samples increased
slightly for RSV and hMPV and remained stable for rhinovirus, adenovirus and
parainfluenza.
o Positivity in the sentinel GP scheme was 0% in week 44.

Disease severity and mortality
o No new admissions to ICU of confirmed influenza cases were reported across
the UK in week 44.
o Excess all cause mortality remains within expected levels for this time of year
for England, Wales and Scotland as calculated by the HPA.

Influenza vaccination
o Up to the week ending 6 November, 60.6% of people in England aged 65
years and over had received the 2011/12 influenza vaccine (provisional data).
For those in a clinical risk group aged under 65 years, provisional uptake was
36.6%.
o Amongst pregnant women, the provisional uptake was 15.7%.

...

http://www.hpa.org.uk/webc/HPAwebFile/HPAweb_C/1317131414581

[Ronan Kelly]

Re: 2011-2012: HPA Weekly National Influenza Reports.

HPA Weekly National Influenza Report
Summary of UK surveillance of influenza and other seasonal respiratory illnesses
17 November 2011 ? Week 46

Summary

Influenza activity in week 45 2011 in the UK remains low. Influenza activity increased slightly but remains low in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. o In week 45 (ending 13 November), the weekly primary care ILI consultation rate was low in England (8.6 per 100,000), Wales (6.7 per 100,000), Northern Ireland (21.2 per 100,000) and Scotland (10.1 per 100,000).
o The proportion of NHS Direct calls for cold/flu and fever were below threshold levels.
o Three new acute respiratory disease outbreaks were reported in week 45.

Virology
o Three (0.6%) of the 470 respiratory specimens reported to Data Mart (England) tested positive for influenza in week 45 (two A(H3) and one B). The proportion of positive samples increased for RSV, decreased slightly for rhinovirus and remained stable for hMPV, adenovirus and parainfluenza.
o Positivity in the UK sentinel GP schemes was 0% in week 45.

Disease severity and mortality
o Four new admissions to ICU of confirmed influenza cases were reported across the UK in week 45 (three A(H1N1)pdm09 and one B).
o Excess all cause mortality remains within expected levels for this time of year for England, Wales and Scotland as calculated by the HPA.

Influenza vaccination
o Up to the week ending 13 November, 64.8% of people in England aged 65 years and over had received the 2011/12 influenza vaccine (provisional data). For those in a clinical risk group aged under 65 years, provisional uptake was 40.4%.
o Amongst pregnant women, the provisional uptake was 18.8%.
o Provisional data from the first monthly collection of flu vaccine uptake by frontline healthcare workers show 28.9% were vaccinated by 31 October 2011.

...

http://www.hpa.org.uk/webc/HPAwebFile/HPAweb_C/1317131514189

[Ronan Kelly]

Re: 2011-2012: HPA Weekly National Influenza Reports.

HPA Weekly National Influenza Report
Summary of UK surveillance of influenza and other seasonal respiratory illnesses
24 November 2011 – Week 47


Summary
HPA Weekly National Influenza Report
Summary of UK surveillance of influenza and other seasonal respiratory illnesses
24 November 2011 – Week 47
Influenza activity in week 46 2011 in the UK remains low. Weekly influenza activity remained low in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. o In week 46 (ending 20 November), the weekly primary care ILI consultation rate was low in England (8.7 per 100,000), Wales (7.6 per 100,000), Northern Ireland (19.9 per 100,000) and Scotland (14.4 per 100,000).
o The proportion of NHS Direct calls for cold/flu is approaching the early warning threshold for influenza. The proportion of calls for fever was below threshold levels.
o One new acute respiratory disease outbreak was reported in week 46.
Virology
o Two (0.3&#37 of the 640 respiratory specimens reported to Data Mart (England) tested positive for influenza in week 46 (one A unknown subtype and one B). The proportion of positive samples increased for RSV and rhinovirus and remained stable for hMPV, adenovirus and parainfluenza.
o Positivity in the UK sentinel GP schemes was 0% in week 46.
Disease severity and mortality
o Three new admissions to ICU of confirmed influenza cases were reported across the UK in week 46 (one A(H1N1)pdm09 and two A unknown subtype).
o Excess all cause mortality remains within expected levels for this time of year for England, Wales and Scotland as calculated by the HPA.
Influenza vaccination
o Up to the week ending 20 November, 67.5% of people in England aged 65 years and over had received the 2011/12 influenza vaccine (provisional data). For those in a clinical risk group aged under 65 years, provisional uptake was 44.3%.
o Amongst pregnant women, the provisional uptake was 22.1%.

...

http://www.hpa.org.uk/webc/HPAwebFile/HPAweb_C/1317131628393

[Ronan Kelly]

Re: 2011-2012: HPA Weekly National Influenza Reports.

HPA Weekly National Influenza Report
Summary of UK surveillance of influenza and other seasonal respiratory illnesses
1 December 2011 ? Week 48

Influenza activity in week 47 2011 in the UK remains low.
Weekly influenza activity remained low in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern
Ireland.
o In week 47 (ending 27 November), the weekly primary care ILI consultation
rate was low in England (8.6 per 100,000), Wales (5.6 per 100,000), Northern
Ireland (21.2 per 100,000) and Scotland (17.0 per 100,000).
o The proportion of NHS Direct calls for cold/flu is approaching the early
warning threshold for influenza. The proportion of calls for fever was below
threshold levels.
o One new acute respiratory disease outbreak was reported in week 47.

Virology
o Four (0.6%) of the 713 respiratory specimens reported to Data Mart (England)
tested positive for influenza in week 47 (three A(H3) and one A unknown
subtype). The proportion of positive samples increased for RSV, decreased
for rhinovirus and parainfluenza and remained stable for hMPV and
adenovirus.
o Flu positivity in the UK sentinel GP schemes was 0% in week 47.

Disease severity and mortality
o One new admission to ICU with confirmed influenza was reported through the
USISS mandatory scheme across the UK in week 47.
o One ICU confirmed influenza death has been reported through the USISS
mandatory scheme across the UK in week 47.
o Excess all cause mortality remains within expected levels for this time of year
for England, Wales and Scotland as calculated by the HPA.

Influenza vaccination
o Up to the week ending 27 November, 69.4% of people in England aged 65
years and over had received the 2011/12 influenza vaccine (provisional data).
For those in a clinical risk group aged under 65 years, provisional uptake was
45.3%.
o Amongst pregnant women, the provisional uptake was 22.7%.

...

http://www.hpa.org.uk/webc/HPAwebFile/HPAweb_C/1317131730826

[Ronan Kelly]

Re: 2011-2012: HPA Weekly National Influenza Reports.

HPA Weekly National Influenza Report
Summary of UK surveillance of influenza and other seasonal respiratory illnesses
8 December 2011 ? Week 49

Influenza activity in week 48 2011 in the UK remains low.
Weekly influenza activity remained low in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
o In week 48 (ending 4 December), the weekly primary care ILI consultation rate was low in England (8.1 per 100,000), Wales (6.2 per 100,000), Northern Ireland (11.7 per 100,000) and Scotland (12.6 per 100,000).
o The proportion of NHS Direct calls for cold/flu remained below the early warning threshold for influenza. The proportion of calls for fever was below threshold levels.
o One new acute respiratory disease outbreak was reported in week 48.

Virology
o One (0.1%) of the 700 respiratory specimens reported to Data Mart (England) tested positive for influenza in week 48 (one B). The proportion of positive samples increased for RSV, decreased for hMPV and remained stable for parainfluenza, rhinovirus and adenovirus.
o Flu positivity in the UK sentinel GP schemes was 0% in week 48.

Disease severity and mortality
o Four new admissions to ICU with confirmed influenza were reported through the USISS mandatory scheme across the UK in week 48.
o No ICU confirmed influenza deaths have been reported through the USISS mandatory scheme across the UK in week 48.
o Excess all cause mortality remains within expected levels for this time of year for England, Wales and Scotland as calculated by the HPA.

Influenza vaccination
o Up to the week ending 4 December, 70.8% of people in England aged 65 years and over had received the 2011/12 influenza vaccine (provisional data). For those in a clinical risk group aged under 65 years, provisional uptake was 47.1%.
o Amongst pregnant women, the provisional uptake was 24.1%.

...

http://www.hpa.org.uk/webc/HPAwebFile/HPAweb_C/1317131837604

[Ronan Kelly]

Re: 2011-2012: HPA Weekly National Influenza Reports.

HPA Weekly National Influenza Report
Summary of UK surveillance of influenza and other seasonal respiratory illnesses
15 December 2011 ? Week 50

Summary

Influenza activity in week 49 2011 in the UK remains low.
Weekly influenza activity remained low in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
o In week 49 (ending 11 December), the weekly primary care ILI consultation rate was low in England (9.2 per 100,000), Wales (8.3 per 100,000), Northern Ireland (9.3 per 100,000) and Scotland (11.6 per 100,000).
o The proportion of NHS Direct calls for cold/flu remained below the early warning threshold for influenza. The proportion of calls for fever was below threshold levels.
o One new acute respiratory disease outbreak was reported in week 49.

Virology
o Nine (1.2%) of the 769 respiratory specimens reported to Data Mart (England) tested positive for influenza in week 49 (four A(H3) and five A unknown subtype). The proportion of samples positive for RSV remained high, decreased for rhinovirus and remained stable for hMPV, parainfluenza and adenovirus.
o Flu positivity in the UK sentinel GP schemes was 3.4% (2/58) in week 49.

Disease severity and mortality
o Three new admissions to ICU with confirmed influenza were reported through the USISS mandatory scheme across the UK in week 49.
o No ICU confirmed influenza deaths have been reported through the USISS mandatory scheme across the UK in week 49.
o Excess all cause mortality remains within expected levels for this time of year for England, Wales and Scotland as calculated by the HPA.

Influenza vaccination
o Up to the week ending 11 December, 71.7% of people in England aged 65 years and over had received the 2011/12 influenza vaccine (provisional data). For those in a clinical risk group aged under 65 years, provisional uptake was 48.3%.
o Amongst pregnant women, the provisional uptake was 25.0%.
o Provisional data from the second monthly collection of influenza vaccine uptake by frontline healthcare workers show 39.9% were vaccinated by 30 November 2011.

...

http://www.hpa.org.uk/webc/HPAwebFile/HPAweb_C/1317131940790

[Ronan Kelly]

Re: 2011-2012: HPA Weekly National Influenza Reports.

HPA Weekly National Influenza Report
Summary of UK surveillance of influenza and other seasonal respiratory illnesses
22 December 2011 ? Week 51


Influenza activity in week 50 2011 in the UK remains low.
Weekly influenza activity remained low in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. o In week 50 (ending 18 December), the weekly primary care ILI consultation rate was low in England (5.8 per 100,000), Wales (9.1 per 100,000), Northern Ireland (18.2 per 100,000) and Scotland (13.3 per 100,000).
o The proportion of NHS Direct calls for cold/flu remained below the early warning threshold for influenza. The proportion of calls for fever was below threshold levels.
o Two new acute respiratory disease outbreaks were reported in week 50 (one influenza A(H3N2) and one parainfluenza type 1).

Virology
o 14 (1.5%) of the 917 respiratory specimens reported to Data Mart (England) tested positive for influenza in week 50 (four A(H3), nine A unknown subtype and one B). The proportion of samples positive for RSV remains high, with the highest positivity in the under five year olds. The proportion of samples positive for rhinovirus and hMPV increased, decreased for parainfluenza and remained stable for adenovirus.
o No positive influenza detections were recorded in the UK sentinel GP schemes in week 50 2011.

Disease severity and mortality
o Four new admissions to ICU with confirmed influenza were reported through the USISS mandatory scheme across the UK in week 50.
o No ICU confirmed influenza deaths have been reported through the USISS mandatory scheme across the UK in week 50.
o Excess all cause mortality remains within expected levels for this time of year for England, Wales and Scotland as calculated by the HPA.

Influenza vaccination
o Up to the week ending 18 December, 72.6% of people in England aged 65 years and over had received the 2011/12 influenza vaccine (provisional data). For those in a clinical risk group aged under 65 years, provisional uptake was 49.4%.
o Amongst pregnant women, the provisional uptake was 25.7%.
o Provisional data from the second monthly collection of influenza vaccine uptake by frontline healthcare workers show 39.9% were vaccinated by 30 November 2011.

...

http://www.hpa.org.uk/webc/HPAwebFile/HPAweb_C/1317132062898

[Ronan Kelly]

Re: 2011-2012: HPA Weekly National Influenza Reports.

HPA Weekly National Influenza Report
Summary of UK surveillance of influenza and other seasonal respiratory illnesses
29 December 2011 ? Week 52
Some indicators of influenza activity in week 51 2011 in the UK are starting to increase.
Weekly influenza GP consultation rates remained low in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. o In week 51 (ending 25 December), the weekly primary care ILI consultation rate was low in England (9.0 per 100,000), Wales (9.5 per 100,000), Northern Ireland (16.6 per 100,000) and Scotland (9.7 per 100,000).
o The proportion of NHS Direct calls for cold/flu remained below the early warning threshold for influenza. The proportion of calls for fever was below threshold levels.
o Three new acute respiratory disease outbreaks were reported in week 51 (one influenza A(H3N2), one influenza A(unknown subtype) and one with no virological confirmation).

Virology
o 44 (4.9%) of the 899 respiratory specimens reported to Data Mart (England) tested positive for influenza in week 51. The majority of positive samples were influenza A(H3) (27 A(H3), 16 A unknown subtype and one A(H1N1)pdm09). The proportion of samples positive for RSV remains high, with the highest positivity in the under five year olds. The proportion of samples positive for hMPV increased and remained stable for parainfluenza, rhinovirus and adenovirus.
o One influenza A(H3) detection was recorded in the UK sentinel GP schemes in week 51 2011.

Disease severity and mortality
o One new admission to ICU with confirmed influenza was reported through the USISS mandatory scheme across the UK in week 51.
o No ICU confirmed influenza deaths have been reported through the USISS mandatory scheme across the UK in week 51.
o Excess all cause mortality remains within expected levels for this time of year for England, Wales and Scotland as calculated by the HPA.

Influenza vaccination
o Up to the week ending 18 December, 72.6% of people in England aged 65 years and over had received the 2011/12 influenza vaccine (provisional data). For those in a clinical risk group aged under 65 years, provisional uptake was 49.4%.
o Amongst pregnant women, the provisional uptake was 25.7%.
o Provisional data from the second monthly collection of influenza vaccine uptake by frontline healthcare workers show 39.9% were vaccinated by 30 November 2011.

...

http://www.hpa.org.uk/webc/HPAwebFile/HPAweb_C/1317132122503

[Anne]

Re: 2011-2012: HPA Weekly National Influenza Reports.

http://www.hpa.org.uk/webc/HPAwebFile/HPAweb_C/1317132193164

5 January 2012 ? Week 1

Due to bank holidays in week 52 (ending 1 January 2012) GP surgeries were only open for three days, which will have impacted on GP consultation rates so data should be interpreted with caution.
Some indicators of influenza activity in week 52 2011 in the UK have increased, although overall influenza activity remains at low levels. Weekly influenza GP consultation rates remained low in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. o In week 52 (ending 1 January 2012), the weekly primary care ILI consultation rate was low in England (6.9 per 100,000), Wales (7.8 per 100,000), Northern Ireland (20.8 per 100,000) and Scotland (8.9 per 100,000).
o The proportion of NHS Direct calls for cold/flu remained below the early warning threshold for influenza. The proportion of calls for fever was below threshold levels.
o No new acute respiratory disease outbreaks were reported in week 52 2011.
Virology
o 42 (5.4%) of the 776 respiratory specimens reported to Data Mart (England) tested positive for influenza in week 52. The majority of positive samples were influenza A(H3) (21 A(H3), 20 A unknown subtype and one B). The proportion of samples positive for RSV remains high, with the highest positivity in the under five year olds. The proportion of samples positive for hMPV decreased and remained stable for parainfluenza, rhinovirus and adenovirus.
o Four influenza A(H3) detections and one influenza B detection were recorded in the UK sentinel GP schemes in week 52 2011.
Disease severity and mortality
o 13 new admissions to ICU with confirmed influenza were reported through the USISS mandatory scheme across the UK in week 52.
o Two ICU confirmed influenza deaths have been reported through the USISS mandatory scheme across the UK in week 52.
Influenza vaccination
o Up to the week ending 1 January 2012, 73.3% of people in England aged 65 years and over had received the 2011/12 influenza vaccine (provisional data). For those in a clinical risk group aged under 65 years, provisional uptake was 50.2%.
o Amongst pregnant women, the provisional uptake was 26.0%.
o Provisional data from the second monthly collection of influenza vaccine uptake by frontline healthcare workers show 39.9% were vaccinated by 30 November 2011.
International situation
o Global influenza activity remains at low levels in the temperate regions of the northern hemisphere, with countries in the tropical zone mostly reporting low activity.
o Transmission in the temperate countries of the southern hemisphere is at inter-seasonal levels. HPA guidance on the use of antiviral agents for the treatment and prophylaxis of influenza this season is available on the HPA website.

[Ronan Kelly]

Re: 2011-2012: HPA Weekly National Influenza Reports.

Summary
HPA Weekly National Influenza Report
Summary of UK surveillance of influenza and other seasonal respiratory illnesses 12 January 2012 ? Week 2
Due to bank holidays in week 1 (ending 8 January 2012) GP surgeries were only open for four days, which will have impacted on GP consultation rates so data should be interpreted with caution.
Overall influenza activity remains at low levels in week 1 2012 in the UK. Weekly influenza GP consultation rates remained low in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. o In week 1 (ending 8 January 2012), the weekly primary care ILI consultation rate was low in England (9.7 per 100,000), Wales (10.5 per 100,000), Northern Ireland (19.6 per 100,000) and Scotland (13.7 per 100,000).
o The proportion of NHS Direct calls for cold/flu remained below the early warning threshold for influenza. The proportion of calls for fever was below threshold levels.
o One new acute respiratory disease outbreak was reported in week 1 2012.

Virology
o 20 (2.4%) of the 832 respiratory specimens reported to Data Mart (England) tested positive for influenza in week 1. The majority of positive samples were influenza A(H3) (15 A(H3), 4 A unknown subtype and one B). The proportion of samples positive for RSV remains high, with the highest positivity in the under five year olds. The proportion of samples positive for hMPV, parainfluenza, rhinovirus and adenovirus remained stable.
o Four influenza A(H3) detections and one influenza B detection were recorded in the UK sentinel GP schemes in week 1 2012, an overall positivity of 7.9%.

Disease severity and mortality
o Five new admissions to ICU/HDU with confirmed influenza were reported through the USISS mandatory scheme across the UK in week 1.
o No new ICU/HDU confirmed influenza deaths have been reported through the USISS mandatory scheme across the UK in week 1.
o Excess all-cause mortality remains within expected levels for this time of year for England and Wales up to week 52 as calculated by the HPA with the EuroMOMO algorithm. Scotland reported a small excess seen in 0-4years in week 1 2012.

Influenza vaccination
o Up to the week ending 8 January 2012, 73.3% of people in England aged 65 years and over had received the 2011/12 influenza vaccine (provisional data). For those in a clinical risk group aged under 65 years, provisional uptake was 50.5%.
o Amongst pregnant women, the provisional uptake was 26.3%.
...

http://www.hpa.org.uk/webc/HPAwebFile/HPAweb_C/1317132298029