Flu Levels ‘Stubbornly Stable’ In Older Age Groups Despite Overall Decline

Levels of respiratory viruses such as flu and RSV are continuing to fall at the start of the New Year, but levels among older adults remained raised and of concern, according to the latest surveillance data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).

Following an early start to the flu season this winter, levels have been declining since mid-December among most age groups. UKHSA has also today extended the cold-health alert, with all regions in England remaining under an amber alert until 12pm on Monday 12 January, which is another concern for older adults who can be more vulnerable to cold weather.

While the data is encouraging, it’s important to note that levels of respiratory viruses among those aged 85 years and over, who are the most vulnerable to severe illness and hospitalisation, have not declined. It’s vital that people still take precautions to reduce the spread of these viruses, particularly to those more vulnerable.

The latest data shows that hospital admissions for flu and RSV were highest among those aged 85 years and over in the first week of the year.

Dr Conall Watson, Consultant Epidemiologist at UKHSA said:
“Further falls in flu levels overall are encouraging but cases of flu and RSV among older age groups are staying stubbornly stable for now, with no signs of a drop in the number of older adults needing “emergency care for respiratory illnesses. We know flu is unpredictable, and the end of flu season could be some months away.”

“People aged 65 and over, and others most at risk, can still get a flu vaccine, which reduces the risk of severe illness and hospitalisation. Flu vaccination appointments are still available on the NHS national booking system and anyone who hasn’t yet had their vaccine should take it up for the remaining winter to protect themselves – flu often circulates well into March. RSV vaccination remains open year-round for pregnant women and any older adults aged 75 to 80 who haven’t yet had a dose.

“People are returning to work and school after Christmas and this gives respiratory viruses like flu more chances to spread. If you have symptoms, including a high temperature, cough and feeling tired or achy, you should try to minimise contact with others, especially those more vulnerable.”

Eligible groups can still get their flu vaccine through the NHS and while cases did spike in December, we know that flu is unpredictable and it is always possible that there could still be further increases over the next couple of months.

Those who are eligible for the flu vaccine includes:

• everyone over 65
• those who are pregnant
• children from the age of 2 years (as of 31 Aug) to school year 11
• those with certain long-term health conditions

The RSV vaccine is available to those aged 75 to 79, those who turned 80 years old after 1 September 2024.

Amy Douglas, Lead Epidemiologist at UKHSA, said:
“Norovirus cases remain within expected levels in recent weeks, but it’s important we all remember the simple steps we can take to help prevent the spread of this very nasty virus.

“Washing your hands with soap and warm water and using bleach-based products to clean surfaces will also help stop infections from spreading. Alcohol gels do not kill norovirus so do not rely on these alone.

“If you have diarrhoea and vomiting, do not return to work, school or nursery until 48 hours after your symptoms have stopped and do not prepare food for others in that time either. If you are unwell, avoid visiting people in hospitals and care homes to prevent passing on the infection to those most vulnerable.”