Syndromic surveillance summary: 12 January 2023 week 1
Updated 4 January 2024
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Reporting week 1: 2 January to 8 January 2023
During week 1, there were further decreases observed in a range of ‘acute respiratory infection’ attendances across UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) syndromic surveillance systems. Emergency department (ED) attendances and GP consultation rates for influenza-like illness decreased further nationally, but most notably in adults aged 45 years and over. There were also decreases in coronavirus (COVID-19)-like indicators. Overall, there were further decreases observed in scarlet fever indicators during week 1 although activity remains above seasonally expected levels.
Remote health advice syndromic surveillance system
During week 1, there were further decreases in NHS 111 calls and online assessments for cold and flu across all age groups but most notably adults aged 45 to 64 years, and aged 65 years and over. There were also further decreases noted in calls and online assessments for sore throat, ‘potential COVID-19’ and cough. NHS 111 calls for ‘eye problems’ increased in adults aged 45 years and over during week 1; however, calls remained below seasonally expected levels.
Access the remote health advice syndromic surveillance bulletins on GOV.UK.
GP in-hours syndromic surveillance system
During week 1, GP in-hours influenza-like illness and COVID-19-like consultation rates continued to decrease, with decreases now noted in adults aged 45 years and over. Consultation rates for pneumonia were stable nationally but increased in adults aged 65 years and older. There were further decreases observed in ‘pharyngitis or scarlet fever’ and scarlet fever indicators during week 1. However, both remained above expected levels. Conjunctivitis decreased nationally during week 1 but rates increased in adults aged 15 to 44 years, 45 to 64 years, and 65 years and over.
Access the GP in-hours syndromic surveillance bulletins on GOV.UK.
GP out-of-hours syndromic surveillance system
Daily GP out-of-hours contact data from 4 August 2022 onwards has not been received due to a widely publicised disruption faced by one of the GP out-of-hours clinical software system providers. We have since been informed that this disruption was as a result of a cybersecurity incident caused by ransomware. We are working closely with our data provider to restore the daily syndromic feed.
Access the GP out-of-hours syndromic surveillance bulletins on GOV.UK.
Emergency department syndromic surveillance system
During week 1, acute respiratory infection and influenza-like illness ED attendances continued to decrease across all age groups; however, attendances remained above expected levels. There was also a decrease observed in COVID-19-like attendances. Further decreases were noted in ED attendances for scarlet fever during week 1, with attendances remaining slightly above expected levels.
Access the emergency department syndromic surveillance bulletins on GOV.UK.
Ambulance syndromic surveillance system
During week 1, ambulance calls for difficulty breathing and ‘cardiac or respiratory arrest’ decreased.
Access the ambulance syndromic surveillance bulletins on GOV.UK.