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Home › News Centre › National Press Releases ›2008 Press Releases ›  Health Protection Agency begins winter influenza activity reporting
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Health Protection Agency begins winter influenza activity reporting

3 October 2008

This week the Health Protection Agency (HPA) resumes its surveillance of flu activity for the winter season across the UK; flu surveillance usually runs from October to May. Regular updates will be published on the Agency's website and depending on the level of flu activity these will available either weekly or fortnightly.

The HPA will use a variety of clinical, virological and epidemiological indicators to monitor flu activity in the UK. This will include:

- the level of reported flu activity
- the strains of the flu virus that are circulating (for example whether any new or unexpected strains emerge or any difference in the circulating flu strains and those in this year's flu vaccine)
- the situation elsewhere in Europe and around the world.

The HPA uses this information to identify periods when influenza is circulating in the community. In England, influenza activity is monitored through the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) sentinel surveillance scheme.  The current GP consultation rates used to reflect the level of flu activity are:

  • Baseline activity (less than 30 GP consultations per 100,000 people in the population);
  • Normal seasonal activity (between 30 - 200 GP consultations per 100, 000);
  • Epidemic activity (more than 200 GP consultations per 100,000).

These levels and other measures of flu activity in the community will be used by the HPA to decide when it is appropriate to recommend to the Department of Health the use of antiviral drugs.

Professor John Watson, Deputy Head of the Respiratory and Systemic Infections Department for the Agency said:

"For the past few years flu levels in the UK have remained low. However, the flu virus is unpredictable and it is essential that we remain vigilant and continue to monitor flu activity week by week throughout the season. By doing this we can assess how levels are changing, ascertain which viruses are circulating and issue warnings if levels of activity begin to increase significantly."

"For the majority of people, flu is an unpleasant, but not life-threatening illness. Symptoms can include a headache, fever, cough, sore throat, and aching muscles and joints. However, the flu can be dangerous for certain groups in the population, such as the elderly or those with heart problems, diabetes or asthma and those who are immunocompromised. It is important that people in these groups take up the offer of free flu vaccination at their local GP surgery."

"If you do get flu this year, our advice is to stay at home, rest, drink plenty of fluids and use over-the-counter remedies if they make you feel more comfortable."

"Be aware that antibiotics are not effective against flu, because it is a viral infection. Taking them unnecessarily will not speed up your recovery and will only increase resistance of bacteria to antibiotics."

-ends-


Notes to editors:

  1. For further information call the HPA Centre for Infections Press Office on 020 8327 7097/7087/7098/6690/6647 or for more information on flu go to: http://www.hpa.org.uk/infections/topics_az/influenza/seasonal/default.htm
  2. The annual enhanced surveillance period starts at week 40 (the beginning of October), and ends at week 20 (May the following year). The scheme also monitors for other respiratory viruses such as RSV. To see the latest flu bulletin please go to:
    http://www.hpa.org.uk/infections/topics_az/influenza/seasonal/activity0708/weekly_summary.htm
  3. The flu vaccine for this winter includes the following viruses:
     - A/Brisbane/59/2007 (H1N1)-like virus
     - A/Brisbane/10/2007 (H3N2)-like virus
     - B/Florida/4/2006-like virus
  4. The Department of Health's flu immunisation programme for this winter recommends that all those aged 65 and over and other at-risk groups should be vaccinated. In addition it is recommended that health care workers be vaccinated. For further details see their website: http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Publicationsandstatistics/Lettersandcirculars/Professionalletters/Chiefmedicalofficerletters/DH_083812
  5. Last year 74% of the 65s and over were vaccinated and it is hoped that this year we can exceed the WHO target of 75% uptake in this group set for the year 2010. This data, plus uptake rates in the 65s at risk, will continue to be collected through immunisation coordinators in Primary Care Trusts. The HPA will monitor vaccine uptake on behalf of the Department of Health. In addition, vaccine uptake will also be monitored for health care workers in NHS acute hospital trusts.

Last reviewed: 3 October 2008