Most indicators show that flu activity is continuing to decrease across the UK. Some caution must be exercised, however, as the indicators may be influenced by the holiday period.
The consultation rate for flu-like illness in England from the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) scheme has decreased to 11.2 per 100,000 in week 53 compared to 12.7 in week 52. This is below the English baseline threshold of 30/100,000.
With GP consultations for flu-like illness now below the usual seasonal baseline, the trend estimates previously produced on a weekly basis are no longer appropriate.
Following the move from laboratory testing for confirmation of swine flu to clinical diagnosis of cases, the level of flu in the community is being monitored using a range of surveillance mechanisms, including the RCGP consultation rates, QSurveillance®, and the National Pandemic Flu Service.
Current plans are to issue a factual swine flu update every Thursday afternoon on the HPA website. These plans will be kept under review.
See also:
What you should know about your insurance coverage and the H1N1
Questions / Answers – How do you know you have the flu ?
Questions / Answers on U.S. H1N1 flu vaccination program
