Syndromic surveillance summary: 4 January 2024 week 52
Updated 4 January 2024
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Reporting week 52: 25 December to 31 December
During week 52, emergency department (ED) acute respiratory infection and pneumonia attendances continued to increase, with levels above those expected for the time of year. There were also further increases in COVID-19-like and pneumonia ED attendances. GP in-hours lower respiratory tract infections increased across adult age groups, but overall they all remain at levels expected for the time of year.
Remote health advice syndromic surveillance system
During week 52, there were increases in NHS 111 calls and online assessments for respiratory indicators, including cough and sore throat, particularly noted in adult age groups. However, activity in general remains at or below expected levels. ‘Potential COVID-19’ calls increased across all age groups aged 15 years and over. There were also increases noted in NHS 111 calls and online assessments for diarrhoea and vomiting in adults aged 15 years and over.
Access the remote health advice syndromic surveillance bulletins on GOV.UK
GP in-hours syndromic surveillance system
During week 52, GP in-hours consultation rates for lower respiratory tract infections continued to increase, particularly in the groups of those aged 15 years and over. COVID-19-like consultations were stable overall but continued to increase in adults aged 65 years and over. Influenza-like illness activity was stable during week 52 and rates remain below expected levels. There were also increases in gastroenteritis, diarrhoea and vomiting.
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 new year public holiday weekend in line with expected activity. Daily contacts for acute respiratory infections continued to increase during week 52, particularly in adults aged over 15 years. Influenza-like illness contacts also increased but remain within expected limits. Daily contacts for ‘difficulty breathing/wheeze/asthma’ and acute bronchitis increased during week 52, notably in adults aged over 15 years.
Access the GP out-of-hours syndromic surveillance bulletins on GOV.UK
Emergency department syndromic surveillance system
During week 52, daily attendances for acute respiratory infections continued to increase, particularly across adult age groups; attendances are now above expected levels. There were also further increases observed in ‘COVID-19-like’ and influenza-like illness attendances. Pneumonia attendances increased in adults during week 52 and are now above expected levels.
Access the emergency department syndromic surveillance bulletins on GOV.UK
Ambulance syndromic surveillance system
During week 52, daily ambulance calls for difficulty breathing continued to increase and are currently above expected levels.
Access the ambulance syndromic surveillance bulletins on GOV.UK