Influenza - GP Consultations

All ages

The size and the exact timing of outbreaks are unpredictable. Outbreaks in the northern hemisphere can occur from early October (week 40) to mid-May (week 20). The figure below shows the weekly General Practitioner (GP) consultation rates per 100,000 population for influenza like illness over the past five winters (week 40 to week 14 of the next calendar year) using data collected from general practices across Scotland that participated in Practice Team Information (PTI). The PTI sample covered around 5% of the Scottish population in each of the years.

During a major peak of flu, GP consultations typically rise to over 200 per 100,000 population. The last time this happened in Scotland was in the 1999/2000 season, when consultation rates were nearly 200 per 100,000.  In contrast, the graph below indicates no major peak in recorded GP flu consultations during the last five winters (2003/04 to 2007/08).  In the winter of 2003/04 there was an early rise in the number of flu consultations in mid-November, and in the following winter there was a short-lasting peak at the beginning of February. In the winter of 2006/07 the highest flu consultation rates were in January.  Throughout the 2007/08 season, GP consultations for flu remained at relatively low levels.

The intensity of influenza outbreak varies by age group, as illustrated in the charts for populations aged 0-14 years and 65 years and over.

Estimated number of GP consultations for influenza in Scotland per week, per 100,000 population; all ages
weeks 40 to 14; years 2003/04 to 2007/08^p

Notes:
1. Based on 47, 44, 44, 47 and 46 PTI practices that submitted complete data for flu seasons (weeks 40 - 14) 2003/04, 2004/05, 2005/06, 2006/07 and 2007/08, respectively.
2. PTI data are collated by financial year and therefore figures are shown up to week 14 (in some years week 14 may extend past 31 March).
3. Following a substantial  review of PTI procedures, the methods used for data from 2003/04 onwards have been updated. These figures may therefore differ from any estimates provided prior to 27th March 2007.
4. The clinical (Read) codes used to identify "influenza-like illness" for the above analysis are listed in a downloadable excel file (17 Kb).

^p Data for 2007/08 are provisional.

Source:  Practice Team Information (PTI), ISD Scotland

                                                                                                                                                             

Related influenza information:
Introduction
GP Consultations
      - All Ages
      - Ages 0 - 14
      - Ages 65+
Vaccinations
Surveillance