Figures reveal that the rates of flu infection in the UK have more than doubled in the last week. Number of cases has risen to 87.1 per 100,000 people, from 32.8 in the previous week, according to the Royal College of GPs. Reports also reveal that school-age children from England and Wales are particularly affected. Ages five to 14 are highest affected followed by those under four, then people aged 15 to 44. Considering all age groups rates almost tripled in the South in one week, from 36 per 100,000 to 93.4. In the North, the rate was 55.5, up from 15.7, and was 94.9 in the central England region, up from 37.9.
Along with flu, common cold and bronchitis cases are also pouring in. Among flu strains Swine flu still remains the most dominant strain of flu this winter, but there are other types, including type B. As of this Tuesday, according to the Department of Health, 302 people are currently in intensive care with flu.
Dr Maureen Baker, Health Protection Lead at the Royal College of GPs said, “There’s a fair bit of flu around but we’re not overwhelmed by it.” Professor Peter Openshaw of the National Heart & Lung Institute, Imperial College London, said there was no evidence the virus had changed. He added, “From around the country, reports from frontline staff are showing unprecedented levels of hospitalization with severe flu in high-risk adults…All the evidence we have so far is that the virus has not changed… It is affecting the same type of person as last year and still behaves like swine flu rather than normal seasonal flu (which mostly affects the over 65s).”
A Department of Health spokesperson said the figures were “in keeping with what we would expect during a winter flu season… But everyone can do their bit to help keep well – simple measures like washing your hand help stop flu spreading”. Experts are urging those in high-risk groups, particularly pregnant women, to get vaccinated. The vaccine protects against both seasonal flu and swine flu. DoH spokesperson added, “The Chief Medical Officer has issued clear advice to get the seasonal flu jab If you are in a vulnerable group, particularly pregnant women and people with underlying health condition, as well as those aged 65 and over.” The latest information on the number of deaths from seasonal flu and swine flu will be released by the Health Protection Agency on Thursday.
Doctor Philip Monk, communicable diseases consultant for the Health Protection Agency (HPA) in the East Midlands however said,’ “It is the worst winter outbreak for influenza and viruses for ten years…There are a lot of illnesses out there. Vulnerable people, like young children, are at risk. Unfortunately some of them die.”
Dr Ananya Mandal