Flu And Covid-19 Rising Cases - Surveillance Report Published

11th October 2024

Weekly national influenza and COVID-19 report, COVID-19 activity, seasonal flu and other seasonal respiratory illnesses.

This COVID-19, flu and RSV surveillance bulletin (formally Weekly Winter Briefing) brings together the latest surveillance data, along with the latest public health advice for COVID-19, flu and RSV.

In week 40:

COVID-19 activity increased across most indicators and is at low to moderate levels
Influenza activity increased across most indicators but remained low
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) activity increased slightly across most indicators but remains at low levels
The flu, COVID-19 and RSV surveillance report has been published here.

COVID-19 surveillance data for week 40
COVID-19 activity increased across most indicators compared with the previous week
SARS-CoV-2 weekly average positivity rate remained stable at 13.4% compared to 13.3% in the previous week. This is based on a percentage of people who test positive in hospital settings
COVID-19 hospitalisations increased to 4.55 per 100,000 compared to 3.72 per 100,000 in the previous week
COVID-19 ICU admissions decreased to 0.12 per 100,000 in week 10 compared with 0.14 in the previous week
There were 59 COVID-19 acute respiratory incidents reported in week 40.
Positivity rates were highest in those aged 85 or more years, at a weekly average positivity rate of 21.1%, remaining stable from the previous week
The highest hospital admission rate is currently in the North East at 8.12 per 100,000
Those aged 85 years and over had the highest hospital admission rate, which increased to 52.48 per 100,000 compared with 40.39 in the previous week
Flu surveillance data for week 40
Influenza activity was at low levels but increased across most indicators
Influenza positivity increased slightly to 1.9% in week 40 compared to 1.5% in the previous week. This is based on a percentage of people who test positive among those with symptoms tested at sentinel "spotter" laboratories, reported through the Respiratory DataMart surveillance system
Overall, influenza hospitalisations increased to 0.61 per 100,000 (surveillance formally starts in week 40 so comparisons to the previous week are not possible)
The weekly influenza-like illnesses (ILI) General Practice (GP) consultation rate increased to 3.2 per 100,000 compared with 2.5 per 100,000 in the previous week
For the 2024/2025 season's vaccination programme, children and pregnant women have been eligible since 1 September, whilst clinical risk groups, older adults (those aged 65 years and over) and frontline healthcare workers have been eligible since 3 October. Up to the end of week 40, vaccine uptake stands at 6.5% of those under 65 years in a clinical risk group, 7.8% in all pregnant women and 16.2% in all those aged 65 years and over. 18% of children aged 2 years of age and 17.7 of children aged 3 years of age have been vaccinated
Dr Jamie Lopez Bernal, Consultant Epidemiologist at UKHSA, said:

COVID-19 is continuing to circulate, with a slight increase in hospitalisations over the past two weeks. As winter approaches, we expect flu and RSV to increasingly circulate too, so if you’re eligible to get vaccinated against the three main winter threats - COVID-19, flu and RSV – now is the time to take them up and get winter strong.

We understand people may be concerned about new variants. Our surveillance shows that where covid cases are sequenced, around 1 in 10 are the ‘XEC’ lineage. Current information doesn’t suggest we should be more concerned about this variant but we are monitoring this closely. The most important thing to do is to get your vaccination as soon as possible if you’re eligible.

If you are showing symptoms of flu or COVID-19 such as a high temperature, cough, and feeling tired and achy, try to limit your contact with others, especially those who are vulnerable.

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) surveillance data for week 40
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) activity increased slightly across most indicators
Emergency department attendances for acute bronchiolitis increased nationally
RSV positivity increased to 1.6% compared with 0.7% in the previous week
Overall, hospital admissions increased slightly to 0.39 per 100,000 compared with 0.28 per 100,000
Dr Conall Watson, Consultant Epidemiologist at UKHSA, said:

We are starting to see the expected seasonal rise in RSV, a common lung virus which can cause pneumonia and infant bronchiolitis. Women who are 28 or more weeks pregnant and people aged 75 to 79 years who are offered the vaccine by the NHS as part of the new RSV vaccination programmes should take it up now.

RSV lung infections like bronchiolitis are a major cause of babies needing to visit A&E or be admitted to hospital each winter. The RSV vaccine for pregnant mums is an important step in keeping babies well through winter.

If your baby has a cold that is getting worse, or it is causing unusual breathing or problems feeding, call NHS 111 or contact your GP practice. As a parent trust your judgement and if your baby seems seriously unwell go to A&E or call 999.

Washing your hands regularly and using tissues can reduce the spread of RSV and other viruses. People who are unwell with colds should try and avoid visiting newborn babies and other vulnerable groups.

Since 1 September 2024, pregnant women have been offered RSV vaccination around the time of their 28-week antenatal appointment. Having the vaccine in week 28 or within a few weeks of this will help build a good level of antibodies to pass on to their baby before birth. This will give the newborn baby the best protection, including if they are born early. Those who turn 75 and those age 75 to 79 are also eligible for a free NHS vaccine to protect them from RSV.