Flu and covid levels rise in England
BMJ 2023; 383 doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.p2965 (Published 18 December 2023) Cite this as: BMJ 2023;383:p2965
Health officials have emphasised the importance of vaccination against respiratory illnesses this winter, as latest figures show that England is seeing increased rates of flu and covid-19.1
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has also advised that antiviral medicine would be suitable for some patients presenting with influenza-like illness in hospitals or at GP surgeries, given the current rates.
In the week of 4-10 December UKHSA’s laboratory surveillance data showed that influenza positivity in England rose to 5.6%, from 2.4% the previous week. Figures from primary care suggested a rise in consultations for influenza-like illness to 5.3 in 100 000, which is up from 4.6 in 100 000 the previous week but within the baseline activity level range.
Hospital admissions for flu increased from 0.86 in 100 000 to 2.14 in 100 000 and crossed from baseline levels into the “low impact” range. Flu admissions to intensive care units or high dependency units also rose sharply, with 35 new admissions, but remained within baseline levels.
Risk and complications
Emergency department attendances for influenza-like illness have increased nationwide, UKHSA said. While flu vaccine uptake in the 2023-24 season is currently higher than the same period last year in 2-3 year olds, it is lower in over 65s, pregnant women, and people under 65 in clinical risk groups.
Mary Ramsay, UKHSA’s director of public health programmes, said, “Flu levels are starting to rise, so get your vaccine now to get winter strong. Pregnant women, their unborn babies, and those in clinical risk groups are at higher risk of complication from flu.
“Taking up both the flu and covid-19 vaccines provides the best protection for both pregnant women and their baby, reducing the risk of severe complications, intensive care needs, stillbirth, and prematurity.”
In a letter to health professionals England’s chief medical officer and chief pharmaceutical officer wrote that, in accordance with guidance from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, GPs and pharmacists “may now supply antiviral medicines (oseltamivir and zanamivir) for the prophylaxis and treatment of influenza at NHS expense.” These medicines “may be prescribed for patients in clinical at-risk groups as well as anyone at risk of severe illness and/or complications from influenza if not treated,” they added.
Covid spreads
Data also show that covid rates are increasing in most regions, ethnicities, and age groups in England. In the week ending 10 December data from “pillar 1,” which mainly includes tests done in hospitals, showed 2639 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) positive cases, up 34.6% from the previous week. UKHSA laboratory data show a slight increase in SARS-CoV-2 positivity, rising to 7.5% from 6.4% the previous week.
Hospital admissions for covid-19 showed a slight increase to 3.80 in 100 000 in the week ending 10 December, up from 2.96 in 100 000 the previous week. Admissions were highest in people over 85.
Thomas Waite, deputy chief medical officer for England, said, “The latest data indicates the flu season is very much under way and covid-19 infections are increasing. The use of antivirals against flu in primary care will help protect the most vulnerable over the winter. If you are eligible and have not managed to get vaccinated yet, now is the time.”
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