Via HPA: Flu activity continuing to increase. Excerpt:
Latest figures from the Health Protection Agency (HPA) indicate that increases in flu activity continue to be seen across several indicators, including GP consultation rates, the proportion of calls to NHS Direct and new admissions to intensive care or high dependency units.
Children aged five to 14 in particular have been the group most affected by flu so far this season.
Dr Richard Pebody, head of seasonal flu surveillance at the HPA said: “We are continuing to see an increase in flu activity across several of our indicators but historically flu rates go up at this time of year so this is not unusual.
“Vaccination against flu is still the most effective way of preventing the virus in people who are in an ‘at risk’ group, as they are more vulnerable to developing complications from flu. This includes people with underlying conditions such as heart problems, diabetes, lung, liver or renal diseases and those with weakened immune systems, as well as older people and pregnant women.
“Latest vaccine uptake figures for one of the ‘at risk’ groups – the over 65 age group – are encouraging, with more than 70 per cent taking up the offer of the flu vaccine. Among those in an ‘at risk’ group under 65 years of age, uptake is just under 50 per cent and around 40 per cent of pregnant women and healthcare workers have accepted the offer of vaccination this season.”
