Syndromic surveillance summary: 17 March 2022 week 10
Updated 5 January 2023
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Reporting week: 7 March to 13 March 2022
During week 10 there were further increases observed in ‘COVID-19-like’ syndromic indicators, including emergency department attendances and NHS 111 calls. There were also further increases observed across syndromic gastroenteritis and vomiting indicators in children.
Remote health advice syndromic surveillance system
During week 10, NHS 111 calls and online assessments for cold, flu, cough, sore throat and ‘potential COVID-19’ increased nationally. ‘Potential COVID-19’ calls and assessments are increasing across all age groups, and across most regions of England. Increases in calls for cold/flu and sore throat were particularly noted in the over 65 years age group. NHS 111 calls and assessments for vomiting continued to increase, particularly in children aged under 15.
GP in hours syndromic surveillance system
During week 10, COVID-19-like consultations increased, particularly in patients aged 65 years and over. Upper respiratory tract infections also increased, although influenza-like illness remained stable. Indicators for gastroenteritis increased, mainly in children aged 1 to 4 years. There were further increases in consultations for scarlet fever and chickenpox particularly in children aged under 1 to 4 years however, overall rate remain below expected levels.
GP out of hours syndromic surveillance system
During week 10, GP out of hours contacts for gastroenteritis and vomiting continued to increase, but overall remain at seasonally expected levels. Increases continue to be seen particularly in children aged 5 to 14 years old.
Emergency department syndromic surveillance system
During week 10, COVID-19-like attendances increased nationally across all age groups but with particular note on increases observed in the over 65 years age group. There was a small increase in attendances for influenza-like illness however the number of attendances nationally remains low. Attendances for gastroenteritis continued to increase above baseline in children aged 1 to 14 years.
Ambulance syndromic surveillance system
Ambulance calls for COVID-19-like and difficulty breathing indicators increased during week 10. ‘Cardiac or respiratory arrest’ and chest pain calls also increased in week 10.