"The amount of flu circulating has started to fall in England, latest data suggests. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said it was encouraging news heading into Christmas, but warned the virus could always bounce back in the new year. The UKHSA uses a range of different measures to monitor flu rates, including sample testing in hospitals and in GP practices. The latest data covers last week up to Sunday with the UKHSA concluding the virus was circulating "at medium levels"."
"Dr Jamie Lopez-Bernal, an infectious diseases expert at UKHSA, said it was "encouraging news". But he added: "The virus is still very much with us and everyone, especially those most vulnerable to winter bugs, needs to take care to protect themselves or help not to spread these viruses to others. "This is particularly important over Christmas as families come together to celebrate. So if you have any cold or flu-like symptoms you should try to minimise contact with others.""
"This year's flu season started early, driven by a mutated strain of the virus, which prompted concern about the pressure that could be placed on hospitals. NHS England data for the total number of people in hospital is not being published this week. But there are signs in UKHSA's sample testing that the numbers being admitted to hospital are beginning to fall, suggesting the projections of record numbers of patients ending up in hospital with the virus over the festive period will not be realised."
Flu circulation in England has started to fall according to the latest surveillance data, with similar decreasing trends reported in other UK nations. The UK Health Security Agency reports medium levels of circulation based on hospital and GP sample testing covering last week to Sunday. This season began earlier than usual and was driven by a mutated strain that raised concerns about hospital pressure. NHS England is not publishing total hospital occupancy data this week, but sample testing shows hospital admissions for flu beginning to decline. Officials warn the virus could rebound in the new year and advise vulnerable people to minimise contacts, wash hands regularly, and ensure good indoor ventilation.
Read at www.bbc.com
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