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 | Yorkshire Times A Voice of the Free Press |
9:55 PM 17th October 2024
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Flu And COVID-19 Surveillance Report Published - 17 October 2024
In week 41:
COVID-19 activity varied across most indicators and is at low to moderate levels
Influenza activity increased across most indicators but remained low
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) activity increased slightly across most indicators but remains at low levels
The Flu, COVID-19 and RSV surveillance report has been published. The Norovirus surveillance report has been published.
COVID-19 surveillance data for week 41:
COVID-19 activity varied across most indicators compared with the previous week
SARS-CoV-2 weekly average positivity rate increased slightly at 14.6% compared to 13.5% in the previous week. This is based on a percentage of people who test positive in hospital settings
COVID-19 hospitalisations remained stable at 4.64 per 100,000 compared to 4.46 per 100,000 in the previous week
COVID-19 ICU admissions decreased to 0.10 per 100,000 in week 10 compared with 0.11 in the previous week
There were 68 COVID-19 acute respiratory incidents reported in week 41
Positivity rates were highest in those aged 85 or more years, at a weekly average positivity rate of 23.7%, an increase from the previous week
The highest hospital admission rate is currently in the North East at 8.91 per 100,000.
Those aged 85 years and over had the highest hospital admission rate, which remained stable at 52.65 per 100,000 compared with 51.28 in the previous week
Up to the end of week 41, 8.5% of those under 65 years in a clinical risk group and 24.7% 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 41:
Influenza activity was at low levels but increased across some indicators
Influenza positivity increased slightly to 2.3% in week 41 compared to 2% 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 decreased slightly to 0.54 per 100,000
The weekly influenza-like illnesses (ILI) General Practice (GP) consultation rate increased to 3.6 per 100,000 compared with 3.2 per 100,000 in the previous week
For the 2024-25 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 41, vaccine uptake stands at 15.2% of those under 65 years in a clinical risk group, 17.5% in all pregnant women and 36.8% in all those aged 65 years and over. 22.6% of children aged 2 years of age and 22.4% of children aged 3 years of age have been vaccinated
"This week’s data shows that COVID-19 remains at low to moderate levels. Flu positivity is gradually increasing, however levels remain low. We expect ral respiratory infections to increase as the season progresses, so don’t wait for it to hit your household, get vaccinated and make sure you are protected this winter.
"Our current surveillance shows that around 1 in 10 sequenced covid cases are the ‘XEC’ lineage however information doesn’t suggest we should be more concerned about this variant. We are monitoring this closely and vaccination still offers the best protection.
"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."
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) surveillance data for week 41:
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) activity increased across most indicators
Emergency department attendances for acute bronchiolitis increased nationally
RSV positivity increased slightly to 1.9% compared with 1.7% in the previous week.
Overall, hospital admissions increased to 0.45 per 100,000 compared with 0.33 per 100,000
"We are beginning to see cases of RSV increasing, as well as emergency department attendances for acute bronchiolitis, caused by RSV.
"RSV lung infections like bronchiolitis are a major cause of babies needing to visit A&E or be admitted to hospital each winter. The RSV vaccine in pregnancy is an important step in keeping babies well. Women who are 28 or more weeks pregnant should take it up now, along with people aged 75-79 years who are also offered the vaccine by the NHS as part of the new programmes.
"If your baby has a cold that is getting worse, or that is causing unusual breathing or problems feeding, call NHS 111 or contact your GP practice. As a parent trust your judgement and if your baby seems seriously unwell go to A&E or call 999.
"Washing your hands regularly and using tissues can reduce the spread of RSV and other viruses. People who are unwell with colds should try and avoid visiting newborn babies and other vulnerable groups."
Since 1 September 2024, pregnant women have been offered RSV vaccination around the time of their 28 week antenatal appointment. Having the vaccine in week 28 or within a few weeks of this will help build a good level of antibodies to pass on to their baby before birth. This will give the newborn baby the best protection, including if they are born early. Those who turn 75 and those age 75 to 79 are also eligible for a free NHS vaccine to protect them from RSV.
Norovirus surveillance data for week 41:
Norovirus activity in the 2-week period between 23 September to 6 October was 29% higher than the previous 2-week period. Total reports were more than double the 5-season average for the same 2-week period
Rotavirus reporting has remained high in recent weeks, with activity during weeks 39 to 40 of 2024 was 63% higher than the 5-season average for the same 2-week period
In recent weeks the number of norovirus outbreaks reported in hospital settings was 22% higher than the 5-season average
It is likely that multiple factors are contributing to the observed increase in laboratory reports, such as ongoing changes to the epidemiology following the COVID-19 pandemic, or changes in testing and reporting to national surveillance
There has been an increase GII.17 variant since April 2024, and during the first 14 weeks of the 2024/2025 season this was the most commonly detected norovirus genotype. The increase of the variant has been observed in other counties and is being closely monitored
Norovirus symptoms include nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea but can also include a high temperature, abdominal pain and aching limbs. Norovirus infections can cause dehydration, especially in vulnerable groups such as young children and older or immunocompromised people, so if you do get ill it is important to drink plenty of fluids during that time
"Norovirus levels have remained higher than expected recently and cases are likely to increase.
"To help reduce the spread of the infection, if you have diarrhoea and vomiting, take steps to avoid passing the infection on. Do not return to work, school or nursery until 48 hours after your symptoms have stopped and don’t prepare food for others in that time either. If you are unwell, avoid visiting people in hospitals and care homes to prevent passing on the infection in these settings.
"Washing your hands with soap and warm water and using bleach-based products to clean surfaces will also help stop infections from spreading. Alcohol gels do not kill norovirus so don’t rely on these alone."