HPS Weekly National Seasonal Respiratory Report - week ending 19 May 2019

​​​​This is the last report of the season and from week 21 reports will be published on a 4-weekly basis. Respiratory surveillance systems will continue to be monitored weekly and any exceptions will be reported. 

In week 20, the rate of GP consultations for ILI is stable and remains below the threshold for normal seasonal activity.

Influenza laboratory detections are at baseline activity levels in secondary care and in general practices. Influenza A(H1N1) is the dominant influenza strain thus far this season and is affecting a younger age group than observed last season which was dominated by influenza A(H3N2). 

A Scottish addendum to the Public Health England guidance on use of antiviral agents for the treatment and prophylaxis of seasonal influenza has been published on the HPS website. 

An increase in community circulation of influenza prompted the issue of a CMO letter​ in week 2 2019 advising that GPs may prescribe antivirals.