The latest Public Health England (PHE) report published on 17 January 2019, shows that seasonal flu is circulating in the community but remains at low levels.
The statistics show that over the last week, GP consultations with flu-like illness, hospital and intensive care admission rates have all increased from 14.8 to 19.2 per 100,000, from 3.54 to 4.75 and from 0.42 to 0.50 per 100,000 respectively – suggesting flu is having a moderate impact on hospital admissions, and a high impact on intensive care unit and high dependency unit admissions.
The report also shows that in week 2, 2019, no statistically significant excess all-cause mortality by week of death has been seen yet overall or by age group in England this season.
Richard Pebody, Head of Flu at PHE said:
In the last week, there have been small increases to both hospital and intensive care admission rates meaning flu is starting to have a greater impact. These rises are typical for this time of year.
We are currently seeing mainly A(H1N1)pdm09 circulating which is well matched to the strains in this year’s flu vaccines.
Previous flu seasons suggest this strain particularly affects children, pregnant women, and adults with long term conditions – so if you’re eligible, it’s not too late to get your free jab to protect yourself and vulnerable people around you.
If you are not eligible vaccinations are available from Global Health Travel Clinics.
Remember to wash your hands regularly with soap and water.
See our previous blog for more information on how to wash your hands properly. If you do not know the connection with singing happy birthday look again.