Flu And COVID-19 Surveillance Report Published - 14 March 2024

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

The flu and COVID-19 surveillance report has been published here. The Norovirus surveillance report has been published here.

COVID-19 surveillance data for week 10

COVID-19 activity was broadly stable and showed mixed activity across most indicators.

SARS-CoV-2 positivity remained stable at 3.8% compared to 3.6% 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.

COVID-19 case rates and positivity in Pillar 1 decreased overall and within most age and ethnic groups, and some regions in week 10.

Through the SIREN healthcare cohort study, the SARS-CoV-2 positivity remained stable in week 10 compared to the previous week.

COVID-19 hospitalisations increased slightly to 1.75 per 100,000 compared to 1.60 per 100,000 in the previous week.

COVID-19 ICU admissions remained low and stable at 0.06 per 100,000 in week 10.

The total number of confirmed COVID-19 acute respiratory incidents decreased slightly compared to the previous week, with 7 incidents reported in England during week 10.

The highest hospital admission rate is currently in the North East at 2.56 per 100,000.

Those aged 85 years and over had the highest hospital admission rate, which increased slightly to 17.69 per 100,000, with small increases in most of the remaining age groups.

Details of the Spring 2024 COVID-19 vaccination programme will be confirmed soon by NHS England, which will be offered to those who are aged 75 years and over, residents in a care home for older adults and individuals aged 6 months and over who are immunosuppressed.

Flu surveillance data for week 10

Influenza activity decreased across most indicators.

Influenza positivity decreased to 4.8% in week 10 compared to 6.2% 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.

Through the SIREN healthcare worker cohort study, the influenza positivity increased in week 10 compared to the previous week.

The total number of confirmed influenza acute respiratory incidents decreased compared to the previous week, with 10 incidents reported in England during week 10.

Overall, influenza hospitalisations decreased slightly to 2.84 per 100,000 compared to 3.04 per 100,000 in the previous week and remained in the low impact range.

Intensive care unit (ICU) or high dependency unit (HDU) admissions remained low at 0.08 per 100,000 compared to 0.09 in the previous week and remained within the baseline impact range.

Emergency department (ED) attendance for influenza-like-illness (ILI) remained stable overall.

Dr Jamie Lopez Bernal, Consultant Epidemiologist for Immunisation at UKHSA said:
"Flu shows a continued decline in this week’s data, while COVID-19 remains stable. Although activity declines and remains low, people are still getting seriously ill from these viruses.

"Catching your coughs and sneezes in a tissue, and frequent handwashing are simple measures that everyone can take to minimize the spread of viruses like flu and COVID-19. Improving fresh air circulation, such as having a window open during indoor gatherings, can also help reduce the spread.

"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. Consider wearing a mask if you do need to go out."

Norovirus surveillance data for weeks 6 to 9

First monthly norovirus report highlights that norovirus activity has fluctuated recently. While laboratory reports between weeks 6 and 9 of 2024 were 15% higher than the 5-season average for the same 4-week period, compared to the same 4-week period last year reports were 29% lower.

The total number of enteric virus (EV) outbreaks reported between weeks 6 and 9 of 2024 remained 31% lower than the 5-season average for the same 4-week period. The majority of outbreaks were reported in care home settings.

Please note the 5-season average is calculated from the same time period in the following seasons which excludes the COVID-19 pandemic period: 2015/2016, 2016/2017, 2017/2018, 2018/2019 and 2022/2023.

Amy Douglas, Norovirus Epidemiologist at UKHSA said:
"Reports of norovirus have fluctuated over the last month but still remain high. Norovirus symptoms include nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea but can also include a high temperature, abdominal pain and aching limbs. Norovirus could cause dehydration, especially in vulnerable groups such as young children and older or immunocompromised people, so if you do get ill it is important to drink plenty of fluids during that time.

"If you have got diarrhoea and vomiting, you can take steps to avoid passing the infection on. Do not return to work, school or nursery until 48 hours after your symptoms have stopped and don’t prepare food for others in that time either. If you are unwell, avoid visiting people in hospitals and care homes to prevent passing on the infection in these settings.

"Washing your hands with soap and warm water and using bleach-based products to clean surfaces will also help stop infections from spreading. Alcohol gels do not kill norovirus so don’t rely on these alone."