Influenza surveillance in England and Wales: October 1994 to June 1995

This report summarises the information obtained by surveillance of influenza in England and Wales from October 1994 to June 1995 (weeks 40/94 to 25/95). Influenza B viruses were responsible for most infections, with moderate activity occurring throughout the winter, peaking in February. Influenza A became more active towards the end of the winter, and laboratory reports reached a peak in May (week 21/95). Influenza activity was seen first in Wales, then England, followed by Scotland. An increase in 'total respiratory disease' was reported in December 1994 by the Birmingham Research Unit of the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) in England and Wales. This was probably due largely to an increase in reports of acute bronchitis, and was concurrent with the annual increase in respiratory syncytial virus infection which is often associated with bronchiolitis. Circulating influenza viruses were antigenically similar to components of the vaccine chosen for 1994/95. This report summarises the recommendations for the 1995/96 influenza vaccine.