Syndromic surveillance summary: 29 December 2023 week 51
Updated 4 January 2024
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Reporting week 51: 18 December to 24 December
During week 51, there were increases observed in a number of respiratory indicators across syndromic surveillance systems including emergency department (ED) acute respiratory infections and COVID-19-like attendances, GP in-hours upper and lower respiratory tract infections and influenza-like illness consultations and NHS 111 cough and sore throat calls. In general, increases were seen in adult age groups but overall, they all remain within levels expected for the time of year.
Remote health advice syndromic surveillance system
During week 51, there were increases in NHS 111 calls and online assessments for cough and sore throat, particularly noted in adult age groups. ‘Potential COVID-19’ calls increased across all age groups 5 years and over. There were also increases noted in NHS 111 calls vomiting in children aged 5 to 14 years.
Access the remote health advice syndromic surveillance bulletins on GOV.UK
GP in-hours syndromic surveillance system
During week 51, GP in-hours consultation rates for upper and lower respiratory infections continued to increase, particularly in the over 15 years age groups. COVID-19-like consultations also continued to increase, in adults and in London, the South East and the East of England regions. Influenza-like illness activity increased during week 51, although rates remain below expected levels.
Access the GP in hours syndromic surveillance bulletins on GOV.UK
GP out-of-hours syndromic surveillance system
GP out-of-hours total contacts increased over the public holiday weekend in line with expected activity. During week 51, daily contacts for acute respiratory infections increased, particularly in adults aged over 15 years. Influenza-like illness contacts remained elevated, but within expected levels.
Access the GP out-of-hours syndromic surveillance bulletins on GOV.UK
Emergency department syndromic surveillance system
Total ED attendances decreased on 25 December in line with expected activity during the Christmas public holiday.
During week 51, daily attendances for acute respiratory infections continued to increase, particularly in the over 65 years age group, but overall levels remain in line with seasonal expectations.
Influenza-like illness attendances continued to increase during week 51; however, they remain below expected levels. There were further increases in ‘COVID-19-like’ attendances particularly in those aged 15 years and over. Pneumonia attendances also increased during week 51, particularly in the over 65 years age group; however, attendances in children aged 5 to 14 years decreased after several weeks of reported increases.
Access the emergency department syndromic surveillance bulletins on GOV.UK
Ambulance syndromic surveillance system
During week 51, daily ambulance calls for difficulty breathing increased, but activity remained in line with baseline levels.
Access the ambulance syndromic surveillance bulletins on GOV.UK