Surveillance Report Reveals Uptick in COVID-19 and Decline in Flu Cases
The latest weekly national surveillance report for influenza and COVID-19 in the UK provides a mixed outlook as it tracks the progression of respiratory illnesses across the country. Released for week 14 of the year, the report highlights a slight increase in COVID-19 activity alongside a decrease in influenza cases.
The report indicates that COVID-19 positivity rates have risen from 3.4% to 4.1% in a week, based on tests conducted at sentinel laboratories. Notably, hospital admissions for COVID-19 have increased marginally, with the highest rates observed in the West Midlands and among the elderly, particularly those aged 85 and over. In contrast, flu activity has seen a downward trend, with overall positivity declining from 3.6% to 3.3% and hospitalisations dropping further below the baseline threshold.
This surveillance data comes at a crucial time as the NHS England confirms details for the Spring 2024 COVID-19 vaccination programme, set to commence on April 15 for vulnerable groups such as older adults in care homes. The rollout aims to bolster defenses against potential surges in virus transmission. Meanwhile, public health officials continue to advocate for preventive measures such as staying home when sick, wearing masks around others, and maintaining good hygiene practices to curb the spread of both viruses.