Cases of seasonal flu on the increase - Call to Catch it, Bin it, Kill it

18 January 2008

As reports show a rise in the number of flu cases, HPA London is issuing advice on the importance of stopping the spread of flu. Last week we saw 26.29 cases per 100,000 reported in London which compares with 20.11 per 100,000 from the last week in December '07.

Flu levels have now reached the point where GPs are advised by the Department of Health to prescribe antiviral drugs where necessary in line with guidance issued from the National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE).

Dr Roger Gross, Regional Director of HPA London said: “We would expect to see more cases of cold and flu-like illnesses in the winter months and want to take the opportunity to remind Londoners how easily they can help to stop the spread.

“For most people, seasonal flu is not life-threatening and usually lasts one or two weeks. However, for those in at-risk groups – such as the elderly, patients with heart problems and other chronic diseases, or with weak immune systems – it can lead to more serious illnesses.”

Dr Gross added: “We can all do something to help stop the spread of seasonal flu, colds and other respiratory viruses by following the Catch it, Bin it, Kill it message, which the Government launched earlier this winter.

“Covering your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, disposing of the tissue as soon as possible and cleaning your hands thoroughly as soon as you can are really important actions that prevent the spread of germs, including flu. It's important to remember germs can live for hours on tissues so they need to be disposed of straight away. You can transfer germs on your hands to anything you touch so it's important to wash them as soon as possible.

“If you are in an at risk group the easiest way to protect your self against flu, which can be an unpleasant illness is to get a flu jab - contact your GP for more information.”

- Ends -

Notes to Editors

1. During the winter, the level of seasonal flu activity in the UK is defined as being either ‘baseline activity' where up to 30 consultations per 100,000 people in the population are being reported, ‘normal seasonal activity' (30 – 200 consultations per 100,000) or ‘epidemic activity' (over 200 consultations per 100,000 people).
2. The number of cases reaching ‘normal seasonal activity' triggers doctors in England being advised to use antiviral drugs to prevent or treat flu in patients who are at higher risk of developing complications from the infection, in line with guidance from the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE).
3. Antivirals are only effective if taken within 48 hours of onset of symptoms and may help limit the impact of some symptoms and reduce the potential for serious complications. The best protection for those at high risk is getting the annual flu vaccination.
4. The Department of Health has now advised GPs to consider prescribing antiviral drugs where necessary in line with guidance issued from the National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE). To see the current guidance please go to: www.nice.org.uk which has full guidance on the use of antivirals such as oseltamivir. It does not recommend antivirals for the prevention of flu in otherwise healthy people under 65, even if they have been in close contact with someone with a flu-like illness.
5. Symptoms of seasonal flu often start suddenly and can include headache, fever, cough, sore throat, aching muscles and joints. People with flu are advised to rest, drink plenty of fluids and take pain relievers like paracetamol.
6. If you are suffering from flu or other flu-like viruses, you can get advice from NHS Direct on 0845 4647 or www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk or visit your GP. For further information on flu go to: http://www.hpa.org.uk/infections/topics_az/influenza/flu.htm.
7. In November 2007, Department of Health launched the ‘C ATCH IT, BIN IT, KILL IT' hand and respiratory hygiene campaign.

The messages of the campaign are:

CATCH IT

• Germs spread easily. Always carry tissues and use them to catch your cough or sneeze.

BIN IT

• Germs can live for several hours on tissues. Dispose of them as soon as possible.

KILL IT

• Hands can transfer germs to any surface you touch. Clean your hands as soon as you can.

More information on the campaign is available at www.dh.gov.uk/catchit

Media enquiries to georgina.fletcher@hpa.org.uk, 020 7759 2834 or emily.collins@hpa.org.uk, 020 7759 2824

Last reviewed: 9 January 2009