Syndromic surveillance summary: 23 June 2022 week 24
Updated 5 January 2023
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Reporting week: 13 June to 19 June 2022
During week 24 there were increases in ‘impact of heat’ syndromic indicators in line with recent warm weather. There was also a spike in difficulty breathing and asthma indicators across all systems on 17 June, potentially linked to adverse weather conditions during this period.
Remote health advice syndromic surveillance system
During week 24, NHS 111 calls and online assessments for ‘heat exposure or sunburn’ increased in line with the recent warm weather. There was a spike in difficulty breathing calls and online assessments observed on 18 and 19 June, potentially linked to weather conditions over this period. There were continued small increases in ‘potential COVID-19’ calls and online assessments during week 24.
GP in hours syndromic surveillance system
During week 24, GP in-hours consultations for allergic rhinitis increased sharply in line with seasonal grass pollen activity and rates have followed seasonally expected trends. Consultations for conjunctivitis also increased, particularly in the 5 to 14 years age group. There were further small increases in COVID-19-like consultations during week 24.
GP out-of-hours syndromic surveillance system
During week 24, GP out-of-hours contacts for ‘heat or sunstroke’, eye problems and insect bites increased coinciding with a period of warm weather. Contacts for ‘difficulty breathing, wheeze or asthma’ increased sharply over the weekend of 18 and 19 June, potentially linked to adverse weather conditions over this period. Contacts increased most noticeably in the 5 to 14 and 15 to 44 years age groups and the Midlands and South regions.
Emergency department syndromic surveillance system
During week 24 there was an increase in ‘heat or sunstroke’ attendances coinciding with a period of warm weather. There was also a large spike in asthma attendances on 19 June, particularly observed in 5 to 14, 15 to 44 and 45 to 64 years age groups and the Midlands and South regions. This asthma spike is potentially linked to adverse weather conditions over this period. There were further small increases in COVID-19-like attendances during week 24.
Ambulance syndromic surveillance system
During week 24 there was a spike in ‘impact of heat (or cold)’ calls, peaking on 17 June in line with recent warm weather. Calls were highest in South and Eastern regions but have since returned to expected levels. Calls for ‘unconscious or passing out’ and ‘injuries’ also increased on 17 June but have since returned to expected levels.