New study shows relatively low level of flu activity in 2013/14

Public Health England has published its annual flu report for 2013/14, showing relatively low levels of influenza activity across the country.

The most recent flu season was dominated by the influenza A H1N1 2009 virus, with flu A H3N2 and very low levels of flu B also circulating. Although overall activity levels were low, particularly in the elderly, a considerable number of admissions to hospital and intensive care were observed.

Indeed, peak intensive care unit and high dependency unit numbers were higher than was the case during 2012 to 2013 and a similar total number was reported. The period saw 112 acute respiratory outbreaks in closed settings, with two distinct peaks.

Meanwhile, positive trends were seen in terms of vaccination rates among various key groups, such as older people, frontline healthcare groups and school-aged children.

Dr Richard Pebody, head of seasonal flu surveillance at Public Health England, said: "It's great that we've not only maintained strong vaccination rates amongst at-risk groups, but also successfully introduced the first step in the vaccination programme for children aged two to 16."

In the UK, about 600 people a year die from a complication of seasonal flu. This rises to around 13,000 during an epidemic.