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* Public Health England Research and analysis WINTER HEALTH WATCH SUMMARY: 1 MARCH 2018 Updated 29 March 2018 CONTENTS * 1. Summary * 2. Surveillance reports updated weekly * 3. Further
information * 4. Planning resources Print this page © Crown copyright 2018 This publication is licensed under the terms of the Open Government Licence v3.0 except where otherwise stated. To
view this licence, visit nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3 or write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email:
[email protected]. Where we have identified any third party copyright information you will need to obtain permission from the copyright holders concerned. This publication is
available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/winter-health-watch-weekly-summaries-2017-to-2018/winter-health-watch-summary-1-march-2018 1. SUMMARY 1.1 COLD ALERT There is
currently a Level 3 Cold Weather Alert (Severe Weather Action) in place for all regions of England. Prior cold weather alerts have been in place this season from: * 24 November to 2 December
* 7 December to 19 December * 26 December to 29 December * 6 January to 17 January * 19 January to 22 January * 31 January to 1 February * 2 February to 8 February * 9 February to 15
February 1.2 FLU During week 8 (ending 25 February 2018), influenza continues to circulate widely, although activity has now peaked. Influenza A and B are co-circulating. The Department of
Health has issued an alert on the prescription of antiviral medicines by GPs. 1.3 SYNDROMIC SURVEILLANCE Respiratory indicators across all syndromic systems are decreasing but remain above
seasonally expected levels. 1.4 NOROVIRUS Norovirus activity appears to have peaked. Since week 27, 2017 there have been 3,928 laboratory reports of norovirus in England and Wales. This is
comparable to the average number for the same period in the previous 5 seasons from season 2012 to 2013 to season 2016 to 2017 (3,983). Reports of suspected and confirmed outbreaks of
norovirus in hospitals in England are currently at lower levels than in previous years (2012 to 2017). 1.5 ROTAVIRUS Since week 27, 2017, there have been 787 laboratory reports of rotavirus
in England and Wales. This is 50% lower than the average for 2013 to 2014 to 2016 to 2017 (1,589) (the period after vaccine was introduced). Following the introduction of the rotavirus
vaccine into the routine childhood immunisation schedule in July 2013, the total number of laboratory-confirmed rotavirus infections each season has remained low compared to the pre-vaccine
period. 1.6 ALL-CAUSE MORTALITY In week 8 2018, no statistically significant excess all-cause mortality by week of death was seen overall and by age group in England, through the EuroMOMO
algorithm. Throughout the winter, local weekly flu and infectious intestinal disease bulletins are available from the relevant PHE Field Epidemiology team. The contact details are: East
Midlands: [email protected] East of England: [email protected] London: [email protected] North East: [email protected] North West: [email protected] South East:
[email protected] South West: [email protected] West Midlands: [email protected] Yorkshire and Humber: [email protected] 2. SURVEILLANCE REPORTS UPDATED WEEKLY PHE
syndromic surveillance page PHE national seasonal influenza report PHE norovirus and rotavirus: summary of surveillance PHE weekly all-cause mortality surveillance 3. FURTHER INFORMATION NHS
Choices winter website Met Office Get Ready for Winter Keep warm keep well: information for over 60s, low income families and people living with a disability 4. PLANNING RESOURCES Cold
weather plan for England Annual flu programme Back to top