Flu And COVID-19 Surveillance Report Published - 28 March 2024

This COVID-19 and flu surveillance bulletin brings together the latest surveillance data, along with the latest public health advice for COVID-19 and flu.

The flu and COVID-19 surveillance report has been published here.

COVID-19 surveillance data for week 12

COVID-19 activity remained broadly stable.

SARS-CoV-2 positivity decreased slightly to 3.2% compared with 3.5% in the previous week. This is based on a percentage of people who test positive among those with symptoms tested at sentinel “spotter” laboratories, reported through the Respiratory DataMart surveillance system.

COVID-19 case rates and positivity in Pillar 1 decreased overall, within all age groups, and most regions and ethnic groups in week 12.

Through SARS-CoV-2 Immunity and Reinfection Evaluation (SIREN) healthcare cohort study, the SARS-CoV-2 positivity remained stable in week 12 compared with the previous week.

COVID-19 hospitalisations decreased slightly to 1.66 per 100,000 compared with 1.84 per 100,000 in the previous week.

COVID-19 ICU admissions remained low and stable at 0.04 per 100,000 in week 12.

The total number of confirmed COVID-19 acute respiratory incidents increased compared to the previous week, with 11 incidents reported in England during week 12.

Those aged 85 years and over had the highest hospital admission rate, which increased to 18.94 per 100,000, with most of the remaining age groups remaining stable.

Details for the Spring 2024 COVID-19 vaccination programme have been confirmed by NHS England. Visits to older adult care homes and eligible housebound patients should begin 15 April 2024. For all other eligible cohorts, vaccinations should start by 22 April 2024 and end on 30 June 2024.

Flu surveillance data for week 12

Overall, Influenza activity decreased.

Influenza positivity decreased to 4.5% in week 12 compared with 6.3% in the previous week. This is based on a percentage of people who test positive among those with symptoms tested at sentinel “spotter” laboratories, reported through the Respiratory DataMart surveillance system.

Through the SIREN healthcare worker cohort study, influenza positivity decreased in week 12 compared to the previous week.

The total number of confirmed influenza acute respiratory incidents decreased compared to the previous week, with 12 incidents reported in England during week 11.

Overall, influenza hospitalisations decreased to 1.57 per 100,000 compared with 2.40 per 100,000 in the previous week and was approaching the baseline range (less than 1.57 per 100,000).

The admission rate for influenza decreased to 0.04 per 100,000 compared to 0.08 in the previous week and was within the baseline impact range.

Emergency department (ED) attendances for influenza-like-illness (ILI) decreased.

Dr Mary Ramsay, Director of Public Health Programmes at UKHSA, said:
"While it is great to see decreases in flu and stability in COVID-19 activity, both viruses are still circulating and causing serious illness and hospitalisations.

"Catching your coughs and sneezes in a tissue, and regular handwashing are simple steps we can take to reduce the risk of passing on flu, COVID-19 and other respiratory infections. While meeting indoors, improving fresh air circulation, such as having a window open can also help minimise the spread of viruses."