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Flu still circulating but showing signs of stabilising, PHE says

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Flu still circulating but showing signs of stabilising, PHE says

Flu has continued to circulate across the UK over the past week, according to the latest Public Health England report, though there are signs that the spread of the illness is stabilising.

Figures published on Thursday 1 February reveal that GP consultations relating to flu have stabilised, that hospitalisations have fallen by seven per cent and that intensive care admissions have fallen by 26 per cent.

While a mortality spike in over 65s was observed from week 50 of 2017 to week 4 of 2018, these excess deaths remain lower than in 2016/17 and in 2014/15.

PHE data shows that 72.4% of adults over 65, 48.7% of adults with a long-term health condition, 47.1% of pregnant women, 44% of 3-year-olds, 42.6% of 2-year-olds and 63.9% of healthcare workers have received the vaccine.

Richard Pebody, acting head of the Respiratory Diseases Department at Public Health England said: “We are continuing to see flu circulate, with signs that flu activity is stabilising.

“Rates of vaccination across all those eligible for the vaccine have increased on last season and we have vaccinated an additional one and a half million people/ We are currently seeing a mix of flu types, including the A(H3N2) strain that circulated last winter in the UK and then in Australia and flu B.

“The best form of protection against flu is to get the vaccine if you are eligible and to practice good respiratory and hand hygiene, although we are now coming to the end of the vaccine season.”

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