Flu And COVID-19 Surveillance Report Published - 7 March 2024

The latest Flu and COVID-19 surveillance report, which includes respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) data and the national norovirus and rotavirus surveillance report, has been published along with the latest public health advice.

COVID-19 surveillance data for week 9

COVID-19 activity decreased across most indicators and continues to circulate at low levels.

SARS-CoV-2 positivity decreased slightly to 3.9% compared to 4.1% 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 cohort study, the SARS-CoV-2 positivity decreased in week 9 compared to the previous week.

Overall, COVID-19 hospitalisations decreased to 1.60 per 100,000 compared to 2.25 per 100,000 in the previous week.

COVID-19 ICU admissions remained low and decreased slightly at 0.06 per 100,000 in week 9.

The highest hospital admission rate is currently in the North East at 2.24 per 100,000.

Those aged 85 years and over had the highest hospital admission rate, which decreased to 17.58 per 100,000. Most other age groups saw a decrease.

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 9

Influenza activity decreased across most indicators.

Influenza positivity decreased to 5.5% in week 9 compared to 7.9% 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 decreased in week 9 compared to the previous week.

The total number of confirmed influenza acute respiratory incidents remained stable compared to the previous week, with 19 incidents reported in England during week 9.

Overall, influenza hospitalisations increased slightly to 3.12 per 100,000 compared to 2.97 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 0.10 in the previous and remained within the baseline impact range, while emergency department (ED) attendance for ILI continued to decrease overall.

Dr Alexander Allen, Consultant Epidemiologist at UKHSA, said:
"Flu and COVID-19 activity show a continued decline in this week’s data. We see a small increase to flu hospitalisations, showing that people are still getting seriously ill from these viruses.

"Sneezing and coughing into a tissue, and washing your hands regularly are simple actions we can all take to prevent the spread of viruses like flu and COVID-19. Improving fresh air circulation, such as having a window open when meeting indoors, can also help reduce the spread.

"When showing signs of a respiratory virus, try to limit your contact with others, especially those who are vulnerable. Symptoms of both flu and COVID-19 tend to be a high temperature, cough, and feeling tired and achy. If you do need to go out, consider wearing a mask."

Norovirus surveillance data for week 8:

Norovirus activity has fluctuated in recent weeks. Laboratory reports in weeks 7 and 8 of 2024 were 10% higher than the 5-season average for the same period 2-week period. Compared to the same 2-week period last year reports were 41% lower.

The total number of enteric virus (EV) outbreaks reported during weeks 7 and 8 of 2024 remained 41% lower than the 5-season average for the same 2-week period. The majority of outbreaks were reported in care home settings and the outbreaks reported in hospital settings have decreased.

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 in recent weeks 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."