The latest edition of the UK Health Security Agency’s (UKHSA) COVID-19, influenza (flu), Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) and norovirus surveillance bulletin (formally Weekly Winter Briefing) shows that flu positivity in week 49 jumped to 17.1%, compared to 11.6% in the previous week. Hospitalisations as a result of flu also rose to 5.53 per 100,000 this week, compared with 3.98 per 100,000 in the previous week’s report.
The latest figures come as flu and COVID-19 vaccination uptake rates are still not at the levels needed to prevent further rises in admissions. Vaccine uptake currently stands at 37% for those in a clinical risk group.
‘The threat of an early flu season is materialising, alongside norovirus rates increasing rapidly. With winter vaccine uptake not yet reaching the high levels we aim for in some eligible groups - including healthcare workers, our forecasts for infection rates are not getting any brighter,’ said Susan Hopkins, Chief Medical Advisor at UKHSA.
‘It is vital that those eligible take up the free flu and COVID-19 vaccines before Christmas. In just one week it will be too late to book through the NHS online booking service. Taking up the vaccine will prevent putting your seasonal plans in jeopardy – and more importantly, prevent the risk of severe illness and hospitalisation.
The elderly and those with weakened immune systems are most at risk of suffering more serious illness from flu or norovirus, so if you have flu-like symptoms or diarrhoea or vomiting, avoid visiting people in hospital and care homes to prevent passing on the infection in these settings.’
The national booking system for flu vaccination closes on 19 December and with NHS hospitals already managing record flu levels going into winter, doctors, including the Chief Medical Officer Professor Chris Whitty, are urging those who are still eligible for vaccination to book their appointments immediately. After this date people will only be able to access the flu vaccine through their GPs and some pharmacies.
‘The latest data is clear that flu is rising rapidly, and we are approaching a serious flu wave,’ said Professor Chris Whitty, Chief Medical Officer.
‘Flu can be unpleasant for many and life threatening for some. With the festive season approaching we can still reduce illness, hospitalisations and deaths by increasing vaccination rates – it is our best defence. Now is the time to get vaccinated if you are eligible.’