Influenza activity remains low and this is what we would expect at this time of year.

The seasonal influenza vaccination programme is in full swing, and early feedback suggests that people are keen to take advantage of the protection provided against three strains of influenza, including H1N1 (the pandemic strain).

During the week 8 - 14 March 2010, none of the swabs collected from patients presenting with influenza-like illnesses tested positive for influenza. The number of people with an influenza-like illness visiting their doctor has increased slightly, however, activity remains below 'baseline' levels.

International situation

As at 12 March 2010, WHO reports that since the pandemic began more than 213 countries and overseas territories or communities have reported laboratory confirmed cases of pandemic influenza H1N1 2009, including 16713 deaths. WHO is continuing to actively monitor the progress of the pandemic. The most active areas of transmission are currently in parts of Southeast Asia. Limited data suggests that on-going community transmission continues to increase in parts of West Africa.

Since the pandemic began in April 2009, almost all countries have experienced outbreaks of pandemic influenza and over 16,000 laboratory-confirmed deaths have been reported worldwide.