Syndromic surveillance summary: 23 December 2021 week 50
Updated 6 January 2022
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Reporting week: 13 December to 19 December 2021
During week 50, emergency department (ED) attendances for COVID-19-like illness continued to increase in 15 to 44 year olds and in London.
Remote health advice syndromic surveillance system
During week 50, NHS 111 and online assessments for sore throat increased nationally, with increases noted in children 5 to 14 years and adults 15 to 64 years and in London. Calls and online assessments for eye problems remain elevated and above baseline levels, however, previous increases reported in children have now stabilised. Potential COVID-19 calls increased in London and in the 15 to 44 years age group.
GP in hours syndromic surveillance system
During week 50, GP consultation rates for lower respiratory infections in adults aged over 65 increased. Consultation rates for conjunctivitis have started to decrease, yet rates remain above baseline levels.
GP out of hours syndromic surveillance system
During week 50, GP out-of-hours contacts for acute respiratory infections and influenza-like illness remained stable nationally and at or below seasonally expected levels.
Emergency department syndromic surveillance system
During week 50, COVID-19-like ED attendances continued to increase, particularly in adults aged 15 to 44 years and in London. However, attendances for other respiratory indicators decreased or remained stable.
Ambulance syndromic surveillance system
During week 50, ambulance calls for patients ‘collapsed with an unknown problem’ increased. Other ambulance call indicators remained stable or decreased.