Flu and covid levels rise in England

Health officials have emphasised the importance of vaccination against respiratory illnesses this winter, as latest figures show that England is seeing increased rates of flu and covid-19.1The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has also advised that antiviral medicine would be suitable for some patients presenting with influenza-like illness in hospitals or at GP surgeries, given the current rates.In the week of 4-10 December UKHSA’s laboratory surveillance data showed that influenza positivity in England rose to 5.6%, from 2.4% the previous week. Figures from primary care suggested a rise in consultations for influenza-like illness to 5.3 in 100 000, which is up from 4.6 in 100 000 the previous week but within the baseline activity level range.Hospital admissions for flu increased from 0.86 in 100 000 to 2.14 in 100 000 and crossed from baseline levels into the “low impact” range. Flu admissions to intensive care units or high dependency units…
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