Seasonal flu returns to pre-pandemic levels

Thursday 05 September 2024

Flu activity last winter was similar to pre-pandemic levels, with cases peaking in January, according to new stats.

The latest report from Public Health covers the 2023-2024 period, provides information about seasonal influenza, vaccine uptake, and flu-like illness.

In contrast to the previous year's double peak, this winter saw a single surge in flu cases in January, which aligns with similar trends observed in the UK.

Public Health Director Peter Bradley said the activity levels were "generally" as expected.

"Following the pandemic, as people started mixing socially in a normal way, we anticipated flu rates would be similar to pre-pandemic years," Professor Bradley explained.

He added that while winter viruses, including flu, typically followed a certain seasonality before the pandemic, COVID-19 had disrupted this pattern.

Pictured: 'Flu-like' illness profiles from 2016-17 to 2023-24, by week. (Public Health)

The island recorded 256 laboratory-confirmed influenza cases between September 2023 and late April 2024, according to the report.

It added that approximately 30 deaths were attributed to influenza and pneumonia in 2023, which is similar to figures from previous years.

The report also revealed that the vaccination campaign saw nearly 33,000 islanders receive flu shots, with the majority administered ahead of the mid-winter peak.

However, the island narrowly missed the World Health Organisation's coverage target for those aged 65 and over. Jersey achieved a 74% vaccination rate in this age group, just shy of the 75% WHO recommendation.

Pictured: Percentage of priority groups given the influenza vaccine by the end of the 2023-2024 flu season. (Public Health)

Professor Bradley said: "While people have been fantastic in coming forward for vaccinations, it's timely to remind everyone how serious flu can be."

"We certainly wish to build on the vaccination rate that we've got at the minute, which in that older, 65 age group is still good, but there is room for improvement," he continued.

"To avoid those really serious bouts of illness and potential for hospital admission, it's really important that we remind people of symptoms of flu which are far more than the cold. We're talking about several days being quite unwell.

"It's also important to remember all those good habits people have got into in previous years. So hand-washing and thinking carefully before visiting vulnerable relatives, for example, if you have symptoms. Those things are going to help as well."