As England grapples with a notable increase in flu and Covid-19 cases, health officials are stressing the critical importance of vaccination against respiratory illnesses this winter.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued guidance recommending the use of antiviral medicine for certain patients displaying influenza-like symptoms in hospitals or at GP surgeries, given the current elevated rates.
In the week spanning 4-10 December, UKHSA’s laboratory surveillance data revealed a surge in influenza positivity in England, reaching 5.6%, up from 2.4% the previous week.
Primary care figures indicated a rise in consultations for influenza-like illness to 5.3 per 100,000, compared to 4.6 per 100,000 the preceding week, though still within the baseline activity level range.
Hospital admissions for flu rose from 0.86 per 100,000 to 2.14 per 100,000, crossing from baseline levels into the “low impact” range. Admissions to intensive care units or high dependency units also increased significantly, with 35 new admissions, remaining within baseline levels.
Emergency department attendances for influenza-like illness have witnessed a nationwide increase, according to UKHSA.
While flu vaccine uptake in the 2023-24 season is higher than the same period last year in 2-3 year olds, it is lower in individuals over 65, pregnant women, and those under 65 in clinical risk groups.
Mary Ramsay, UKHSA’s director of public health programmes, urged prompt vaccination, stating, “Flu levels are starting to rise, so get your vaccine now to get winter strong.” Ramsay emphasized the heightened risk for pregnant women, their unborn babies, and those in clinical risk groups.
In response to the escalating situation, England’s chief medical officer and chief pharmaceutical officer issued a letter to health professionals, allowing GPs and pharmacists to supply antiviral medicines (oseltamivir and zanamivir) for influenza prophylaxis and treatment at NHS expense.
These medicines are deemed suitable for patients in clinical at-risk groups and those at risk of severe illness or complications from influenza.
Data also indicate a rise in Covid-19 rates across most regions, ethnicities, and age groups in England. “Pillar 1” data for the week ending 10 December, mainly comprising hospital tests, reported 2639 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) positive cases, a 34.6% increase from the previous week. UKHSA laboratory data showed a slight rise in SARS-CoV-2 positivity, increasing to 7.5% from 6.4% the previous week.
Hospital admissions for Covid-19 exhibited a slight increase to 3.80 per 100,000 in the week ending 10 December, up from 2.96 per 100,000 the previous week, with the highest admissions observed in people over 85.
Thomas Waite, deputy chief medical officer for England, emphasized the ongoing flu season and the increasing Covid-19 infections, urging eligible individuals to prioritize vaccination.
Waite underscored the significance of using antivirals against flu in primary care to protect the most vulnerable over the winter.
