HPS Weekly National Seasonal Respiratory Report - week ending 04 February 2018

In week 5, the overall assessment changed to yellow (normal season activi​​ty).

• ​There has been a further reduction in the GP consultation rates for ILI which are now in the normal range expected for the season.
  
• The colour indicator for influenza in closed settings remains yellow (n​ormal season activity).
  
• There is continuing reduction in virological detecti​​ons of influenza in secondary care.I
  
• n week 5, no statistically significant all-cause mortality excess was observed. It is difficult to assess the contribution of influenza to the very high* statistically significant excess in all-cause mortality reported in weeks 52, 1 and 2, but ICU mortality due to laboratory confirmed influenza remains within normal seasonal range.
  
• Vaccine uptake rates increased in week 3. It’s not too late to be vaccinated - vaccination of those eligible for seasonal influenza remains the most important preventative measure to reduce influenza.
  
• 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.