HPS National Influenza Report - Week ending 14 January 2018
Publication Date: 18 January 2018
In week 2, the overall assessment remains amber (moderate season activity).
- The rate of change in influenza-like illness (ILI) has now slowedconsiderably. Whilst there has been a small increase in ILI rate comparedto last week this is highly suggestive that we are now approaching, or havereached, the peak in GP consultations.
- There is evidence that virological detections of influenza have peakedbetween week 51 and week 52 and are now decreasing both in primary andin secondary care.
- It is difficult to assess the contribution of influenza to the very high/highstatistically significant excess in all cause mortality reported in weeks 52 &01 and week 02 respectively but ICU mortality due to laboratory confirmedinfluenza is now within normal seasonal range.
- It’s not too late to be vaccinated - vaccination of those eligible for seasonalinfluenza remains the most important preventative measure to reduceinfluenza.
- An increase in community circulation of influenza prompted the issue of a CMO letter in week 50 and the advice that GPs may prescribe antivirals remains in force.
Resource information
- Publisher:
- Health Protection Scotland
- Publication type:
- Surveillance Report
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