Influenza
UKHSA surveillance data indicates that influenza is circulating in the community earlier than usual this season with a drifted strain of Influenza A(H3N2) predominating. Clinicians should continue to promote and deliver influenza vaccination for eligible patients and for healthcare workers.
Antiviral treatment
Clinicians are reminded that early antiviral treatment reduces the risk of complications and improves clinical outcomes.
BNSSG Remedy has issued guidance for primary care as follows guidance-for-primary-care-influenza-management-vs1.pdf
Further detail can be found on on the UKHSA website - UKHSA guidance
The attached letter and briefing note provide further information and actions for providers:
Management of Influenza in the Out of Hours
Severnside's role is to assess and manage unwell patients with likely or confirmed flu, in line with the UK Health Security Agency guidance about treatment and prophylaxis. We are not involved in swabbing or prophylaxis.
A flu outbreak is defined as 'two or more cases which meet the clinical case definition of Influenza like illness (or alternatively 2 or more cases of laboratory confirmed Influenza) arising within the same 48-hour period with an epidemiological link to the institutional environment, predominately care homes.'
Please see the BNSSG pathway for the management of flu outbreaks for full information. Briefly,
- If the Severnside team identifies a possible outbreak situation during the out of hours period, please contact the UKHSA Health Protection Team who will assess and determine whether there is an outbreak.
- If the HPT declares an outbreak, they will contact Mendip Vale Outbreak Team (Monday-Sunday 8am-8pm). Mendip Vale will assess patients as to whether treatment or prophylaxis is required and prescribe accordingly.
- Severnside's role, if required, remains the treatment of unwell people with flu particularly if it is after 8pm and the patient cannot wait for assessment/ treatment from the Mendip Vale Outbreak Team the following day. We should not be involved in the prescribing of post-exposure prophylaxis or swabbing.