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 | Cumbria Times A Voice of the Free Press |
9:07 PM 31st October 2024
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Flu And COVID-19 Surveillance Report Published - 31 October 2024
Image by Tung Lam from Pixabay
COVID-19 activity remained stable or decreased slightly across most indicators and was at low levels
Influenza activity increased slightly across some indicators but remained at low levels
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) remained low overall with increasing activity across most indicators and more pronounced increases in those aged below 5 years of age
The flu, COVID-19 and RSV surveillance report has been published here.
The Norovirus surveillance report has been published here.
COVID-19 surveillance data for week 43:
COVID-19 activity remained stable or decreased slightly across most indicators and was at low levels
SARS-CoV-2 weekly average positivity rate decreased slightly at 8.9% compared to 10.7% in the previous week. This is based on a percentage of people who test positive in hospital settings
COVID-19 hospitalisations decreased to 3.91 per 100,000 compared to 4.40 per 100,000 in the previous week
COVID-19 ICU admissions increased to 0.13 per 100,000 compared with 0.11 per 100,000 in the previous week
There were 53 COVID-19 acute respiratory incidents reported in week 43
Positivity rates were highest in those aged 85 or more years, at a weekly average positivity rate of 21.4%, a slight decrease from the previous week, when positivity rates were at 23% among those aged 85 years and over
The highest hospital admission rate is currently in the North East at 7.70 per 100,000, decreasing slightly from 8.26 per 100,000 in the previous week
Those aged 85 years and over had the highest hospital admission rate, which decreased to 41.26 per 100,000 compared with 52.19 in the previous week
Up to the end of week 43, 15.9% of those under 65 years in a clinical risk group and 43.5% 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 43:
Influenza activity was at low levels but increased across some indicators.
Influenza positivity increased to 2.7% in week 43 compared to 2.3% 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 to 0.70 per 100,000, compared with 0.76 per 100,000 in the previous week.
The weekly influenza-like illnesses (ILI) General Practice (GP) consultation rate remained stable at 3.8 per 100,000 compared with 3.9 per 100,000 in the previous week.
For the 2024 to 2025 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 43, vaccine uptake stands at 25.7% of those under 65 years in a clinical risk group, 24.6% in all pregnant women and 57.3% in all those aged 65 years and over. 29.9% of children aged 2 years of age and 30.1% of children aged 3 years of age have been vaccinated.
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) surveillance data for week 43:
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) activity increased across most indicators however remained at low levels.
Emergency department attendances for acute bronchiolitis increased nationally.
RSV positivity increased to 5.2% compared with 3.2% in the previous week.
Overall, hospital admissions increased to 1.26 per 100,000 compared with 0.88 per 100,000.
"This week’s data shows that while the three main respiratory infections remain at low levels, there have been significant increases in RSV activity, particularly among those aged 5 years and under. We expect to see continued increases in respiratory virus activity in the coming weeks.
"Vaccinations are offered against flu, COVID-19 and RSV and we urge those eligible to take up the vaccines ahead of the peak season to ensure they are protected heading into the winter months.
"Our current surveillance shows that around 13% of sequenced COVID-19 cases are the ‘XEC’ lineage however current 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. Washing your hands regularly and using tissues can reduce the spread of respiratory illnesses."
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 43:
Norovirus activity in the 2-week period between 7 October to 20 October was 41% 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 41 to 42 of 2024 was 56% higher than the 5-season average for the same 2-week period
Since the start of the 2024/2025 season, the number of norovirus outbreaks reported in hospital settings was 37% 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 16 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.
"We are heading into the winter season with norovirus levels higher than usual, and we expect norovirus to spread more in the coming weeks.
"Recently, we’ve seen the biggest rise in cases in adults, especially those aged 65 and over.
"To help reduce the spread of norovirus you can take steps to avoid passing the infection on. If you have diarrhoea and vomiting, 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."