Syndromic surveillance summary: 14 December 2023 week 49
Updated 4 January 2024
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Reporting week 49: 4 December to 10 December
During week 49, NHS 111 calls and online assessments for ‘potential COVID-19’ and emergency department (ED) ‘COVID-19-like’ attendances increased, particularly in adult age groups. There were small increases noted in GP in-hours and ED influenza-like illness indicators. However, activity remains low and within expected levels.
Remote health advice syndromic surveillance system
During week 49, NHS 111 calls and online assessments for ‘potential COVID-19’ increased, particularly in adults aged over 15 years and in the London and South East regions. There were also increases noted in cough and sore throat indicators. Vomiting calls continued to increase in children aged 1 to 4 and 5 to 14 years. However, calls overall remain in line with expected seasonal levels.
Access the remote health advice syndromic surveillance bulletins on GOV.UK
GP in-hours syndromic surveillance system
During week 49, GP in-hours COVID-19-like consultations increased nationally and particularly in adults aged over 15 years. There was also a further small increase in influenza-like illness consultations, although rates remain below baseline levels. Upper and lower respiratory tract infections also continued to increase in line with expected seasonal trends; rates continued to decrease in children while increasing in adults.
Access the GP in hours syndromic surveillance bulletins on GOV.UK
GP out-of-hours syndromic surveillance system
During week 49, GP out-of-hours acute respiratory infection contacts increased in line with seasonally expected trends. Contacts decreased in children aged under 5 years while increasing in older age groups.
Access the GP out-of-hours syndromic surveillance bulletins on GOV.UK
Emergency department syndromic surveillance system
During week 49, ‘COVID-19-like’ ED attendances increased, particularly in adults and the London and South East regions. There was also an increase in attendances for influenza-like illness, but the number of attendances remains small and within expected seasonal levels. Acute respiratory infection attendances remained stable overall and in line with expected levels; attendances decreased in children aged under 5 years but increased in older age groups. Pneumonia attendances increased during week 49 with a continuing increase observed in children aged 5 to 14 years (but noting the small numbers of attendances).
Access the emergency department syndromic surveillance bulletins on GOV.UK
Ambulance syndromic surveillance system
During week 49, daily ambulance calls for difficulty breathing and ‘cardiac or respiratory arrest’ increased, but overall, calls were similar to seasonally expected trends.
Access the ambulance syndromic surveillance bulletins on GOV.UK