Respiratory surveillance report

Respiratory-Surveillance-Report.knit

Please note this report will be published fortnightly during the summer.

1 Summary

In week 26, influenza and RSV activity remained low and stable, circulating at baseline levels. COVID-19 activity decreased slightly across some surveillance indicators, while admissions and occupancy remained stable.

  • There were nine unique episodes of influenza identified (one was typed as Flu A (H1) and eight were typed as Flu A (not subtyped)). No unique episodes of RSV were identified and for COVID-19 there were 117 unique episodes identified.

  • There were 1,414 influenza tests (0.6% positivity) and 798 RSV tests performed (0.0% positivity). For COVID-19, there were 1,458 tests performed (9.5% positivity).

  • There were 277 tests performed for rhinovirus (6.9% positivity), adenovirus (0.7% positivity), parainfluenza (8.7% positivity) and human metapneumovirus (1.8%).

  • The GP influenza/flu-like-illness (flu/FLI) consultation rate was 2.9 per 100,000 population. The GP acute respiratory infection consultation rate was 137.6 per 100,000 population. The GP COVID-19 consultation rate was 2.8 per 100,000 population.

  • There was one COVID-19 outbreak reported in a care home setting to PHA Health Protection acute response duty room.

  • Of the 58 new community-acquired emergency hospital admissions, four were Flu A and 54 were COVID-19.

  • Community-acquired emergency influenza, RSV and COVID-19 inpatients have remained stable.

2 Virology surveillance

2.1 Episodes of influenza, RSV and COVID-19

The number of new influenza episodes increased slightly in week 26, with nine unique episodes identified. There were six episodes reported in week 25. There were no new RSV episodes identified in week 26, which is a decrease compared to week 25 (two unique episodes) (Figure 2.1).

Influenza and RSV episode rates by age groups are shown in (Figure 2.2). The highest influenza episode rate in week 26 was in the 75+ age group (2.0 per 100,000 population).

Influenza and RSV episode rates across local government districts (LGD) are shown in (Figure 2.3). Mid and East Antrim had the highest influenza episode rate in week 26 (2.2 per 100,000 population).

The number of new COVID-19 episodes decreased in week 26, with 117 unique episodes identified compared with 127 in week 25 (Figure 2.1).

COVID-19 episode rates by age groups are shown in (Figure 2.2). The highest COVID-19 episode rate in week 26 was in the 75+ age group (33.0 per 100,000 population).

COVID-19 episode rates across LGD are shown in (Figure 2.3). Newry, Mourne and Down had the highest COVID-19 episode rate in week 26 (10.4 per 100,000 population).

Supplementary tables of unique episodes and weekly episode rates are shown at the end of this report.


Weekly number of unique episodes of influenza, RSV and COVID-19 by epidemiological week

Figure 2.1: Weekly number of unique episodes of influenza, RSV and COVID-19 by epidemiological week


Weekly episode rates of influenza, RSV and COVID-19 per 100,000 population, by age group, by epidemiological week

Figure 2.2: Weekly episode rates of influenza, RSV and COVID-19 per 100,000 population, by age group, by epidemiological week


Weekly episode rates of influenza, RSV and COVID-19 per 100,000 population, by local government district, by epidemiological week

Figure 2.3: Weekly episode rates of influenza, RSV and COVID-19 per 100,000 population, by local government district, by epidemiological week


2.2 Testing and positivity (%)

In week 26 there were 1,414 influenza tests, nine of which were positive (0.6% positivity). This is a slight increase compared to week 25 (0.4% positivity) (Figure 2.4).

There were 798 RSV tests, none of which were positive. This is a slight decrease compared to week 25 (0.2% positivity) (Figure 2.4).

There were 1,458 COVID-19 tests, 138 of which were positive (9.5% positivity). This is a slight decrease compared to week 25 (10.1% positivity) (Figure 2.4).

There were 277 rhinovirus tests, 19 of which were positive (6.9% positivity). This is a decrease compared to week 25 (10.8% positivity) (Figure 2.4).

A supplementary table of testing and positivity is shown at the end of this report.


Weekly positivity for influenza, RSV and COVID-19, by year and epidemiological week

Figure 2.4: Weekly positivity for influenza, RSV and COVID-19, by year and epidemiological week

Shading represents 95% confidence intervals.


In week 26 there were 277 adenovirus tests, two of which were positive (0.7% positivity). This is a decrease compared to week 25 (2.5% positivity) (Figure 2.5).

There were 277 parainfluenza tests, 24 of which were positive (8.7% positivity). This is a slight increase compared to week 25 (8.3% positivity) (Figure 2.5).

There were 277 human metapneumovirus (hMPV) tests, five of which were positive (1.8% positivity). This is a slight increase compared to week 25 (1.1% positivity) (Figure 2.5).


Weekly positivity for adenovirus, parainfluenza and Human metapneumovirus, by year and epidemiological week

Figure 2.5: Weekly positivity for adenovirus, parainfluenza and Human metapneumovirus, by year and epidemiological week

Shading represents 95% confidence intervals.


2.3 Influenza sub-typing

Of the nine new influenza episodes identified in week 26, one was typed as Flu A (H1) and eight were typed as Flu A (not subtyped) (Figure 2.6).

A supplementary table of influenza sub-typing is shown at the end of this report.


Weekly number of unique episodes of influenza, by subtype and epidemiological week

Figure 2.6: Weekly number of unique episodes of influenza, by subtype and epidemiological week


2.4 Sentinel surveillance

Sentinel surveillance plays a role in monitoring and understanding the spread and impact of respiratory viruses like influenza and COVID-19 in the community. It involves a systematic and targeted approach to collect data from a geographical representative subset of GP practices (~18% population representative) to provide information about virus activity across NI.

In week 26, no samples were positive for influenza, RSV or COVID-19 from three samples submitted for testing to the Regional Virus Laboratory (RVL) (Table 1).

Total sentinel cases of influenza, RSV and COVID-19 by age group for the previous year are shown in (Figure 2.7), (Figure 2.8) and (Figure 2.9), and cumulatively for the 2024/25 influenza season in Table 2.

A supplementary table of testing and positivity is shown at the end of this report.


Table 1. Total sentinel tests and positivity for Influenza, RSV and COVID-19, current week

Total Tests

Total Positives

Positivity (%)

2025 - 26

Influenza

3

0

0

2025 - 26

RSV

3

0

0

2025 - 26

COVID-19

3

0

0


Weekly sentinel influenza cases, by age group, by epidemiological week

Figure 2.7: Weekly sentinel influenza cases, by age group, by epidemiological week


Weekly sentinel RSV cases, by age group, by epidemiological week

Figure 2.8: Weekly sentinel RSV cases, by age group, by epidemiological week


Weekly sentinel COVID-19 cases, by age group, by epidemiological week

Figure 2.9: Weekly sentinel COVID-19 cases, by age group, by epidemiological week


Table 2. Total sentinel cases of Influenza, RSV and COVID-19 by age group, Week 40 - current week, 2024/25

0-4

5-14

15-44

45-64

65-74

75+

Total

Flu A (H1)

27

22

97

62

23

23

254

Flu A (H3)

2

3

12

6

3

1

27

Flu A (not subtyped)

5

1

20

12

1

5

44

Flu B

6

9

88

13

1

1

118

RSV

18

4

13

13

8

11

67

COVID-19

0

0

6

3

5

10

24


2.5 Non-sentinel surveillance

Non-sentinel surveillance is the monitoring of respiratory viruses from virology data collected from settings such as hospitals and GPs (excluding the sentinel GPs). This provides information about virus activity across NI.

In week 26, nine samples were positive for influenza from 1,412 samples submitted for testing to laboratories across NI (0.6% positivity). One was typed as Flu A (H1) and eight were typed as Flu A (not subtyped). No samples were positive for RSV from 795 samples submitted for testing. 138 samples were positive for COVID-19 from 1,456 samples submitted for testing (9.5% positivity) (Table 3).

Total non-sentinel cases of influenza, RSV and COVID-19 by age group for the previous year are shown in (Figure 2.7), (Figure 2.8) and (Figure 2.12), and cumulatively for the 2024/25 influenza season in Table 4.

A supplementary table of testing and positivity is shown at the end of this report.


Table 3. Total non-sentinel tests and positivity for Influenza, RSV and COVID-19, current week

Total Tests

Total Positives

Positivity (%)

2025 - 26

Influenza

1,412

9

0.64

2025 - 26

RSV

795

0

0.00

2025 - 26

COVID-19

1,456

138

9.48


Weekly non-sentinel influenza cases, by age group, by epidemiological week

Figure 2.10: Weekly non-sentinel influenza cases, by age group, by epidemiological week


Weekly non-sentinel RSV cases, by age group, by epidemiological week

Figure 2.11: Weekly non-sentinel RSV cases, by age group, by epidemiological week


Weekly non-sentinel COVID-19 cases, by age group, by epidemiological week

Figure 2.12: Weekly non-sentinel COVID-19 cases, by age group, by epidemiological week


Table 4. Total non-sentinel cases of Influenza, RSV and COVID-19 by age group, Week 40 - current week, 2024/25

0-4

5-14

15-44

45-64

65-74

75+

Total

Flu A (H1)

419

157

264

398

286

758

2,282

Flu A (H3)

64

33

72

73

31

85

358

Flu A (not subtyped)

784

400

569

584

356

773

3,466

Flu B

342

256

618

93

25

51

1,385

RSV

1,341

35

65

110

130

292

1,973

COVID-19

251

61

241

380

445

1,162

2,540


2.6 SARS-CoV-2 variants

In the eight weeks 21 April 2025 to 12 June 2025, 177 COVID-19 samples were sequenced. Of these, 49 were LP.8.1 (27.7% of all sequenced samples), 23 were KP (13.0% of all sequenced samples), 20 were NB.1.8.1 (11.3% of all sequence samples), 13 were JN.1 and KP.3 (both 7.3% of all sequenced samples), 12 were XEC (6.8% of all sequenced samples), 10 were XFG (5.7% of all sequenced samples), 5 were XEC.2 (2.8% of all sequenced samples), 4 were BA.3, XEC.3 and XEC.4 (all 2.3% of all sequenced samples) and 1 was XBB.1.5 (0.6% of all sequenced samples). Due to small numbers of samples sequenced, the level of confidence in precision of the estimate is low, and the percentages of each variant may change as further results become available. A more detailed COVID-19 Genomics Bulletin containing a further breakdown of sub-lineages is published weekly.

Parent lineages displayed are subject to change based on lineages under monitoring by the UKHSA horizon scanning team.


Total number of sequenced variants of COVID-19 by Pangolin lineage, by epidemiological week

Figure 2.13: Total number of sequenced variants of COVID-19 by Pangolin lineage, by epidemiological week

Recombinant refers to any recombinant lineage, starting “X”, that does not fall under the parent lineage of a defined variant.


3 Primary care surveillance

3.1 Consultation rates for influenza/influenza-like-illness (‘flu/ILI’)

The general practice (GP) flu/ILI consultation rate during week 26 was 2.9 per 100,000 population. This is similar to week 25 (2.9 per 100,000 population). Rates are at baseline activity levels (<10.1 per 100,000 population) (Figure 3.1).

The highest rate in week 26 was seen in the 75+ year old age group (4.2 per 100,000 population) (Figure 3.2).

The highest rate in week 26 was seen in the South Eastern and Southern Trust (both 3.3 per 100,000 population) (Figure 3.3).

Supplementary tables of GP consultation rates are shown at the end of this report.


Northern Ireland GP consultation rates for ‘flu/ILI’, 2021/22 – 2024/25

Figure 3.1: Northern Ireland GP consultation rates for ‘flu/ILI’, 2021/22 – 2024/25


GP consultation rates for ‘flu/ILI’, by age group, 2021/22 – 2024/25

Figure 3.2: GP consultation rates for ‘flu/ILI’, by age group, 2021/22 – 2024/25


GP consultation rates for ‘flu/ILI’, by HSCT, 2021/22 – 2024/25

Figure 3.3: GP consultation rates for ‘flu/ILI’, by HSCT, 2021/22 – 2024/25


3.2 Consultation rates for acute respiratory infection (ARI)

The GP ARI consultation rate during week 26 was 137.6 per 100,000 population. This is a decrease compared to week 25 (147.1 per 100,000 population) (Figure 3.4).

The highest rate in week 26 was seen in the 0-4 age group (457.1 per 100,000 population) (Figure 3.5).

The highest rate in week 26 were seen in the Western Trust (184.8 per 100,000 population, respectively) (Figure 3.6).

Supplementary tables of GP consultation rates are shown at the end of this report.


Northern Ireland GP consultation rates for ARI, 2021/22 – 2024/25

Figure 3.4: Northern Ireland GP consultation rates for ARI, 2021/22 – 2024/25


GP consultation rates for ARI, by age group, 2021/22 – 2024/25

Figure 3.5: GP consultation rates for ARI, by age group, 2021/22 – 2024/25


GP consultation rates for ARI, by HSCT, 2021/22 – 2024/25

Figure 3.6: GP consultation rates for ARI, by HSCT, 2021/22 – 2024/25


3.3 Consultation rates for COVID-19

The GP COVID-19 consultation rate during week 26 was 2.8 per 100,000 population. This is a slight increase compared to week 25 (2.5 per 100,000 population) (Figure 3.7).

The highest rate in week 26 was seen in the 75+ age group (8.3 per 100,000 population) (Figure 3.8).

The highest rate in week 26 were seen in the South Eastern Trust (3.6 per 100,000 population, respectively) (Figure 3.9).

Supplementary tables of GP consultation rates are shown at the end of this report.


Northern Ireland GP consultation rates for COVID-19, 2021/22 – 2024/25

Figure 3.7: Northern Ireland GP consultation rates for COVID-19, 2021/22 – 2024/25


GP consultation rates for COVID-19, by age group, 2021/22 – 2024/25

Figure 3.8: GP consultation rates for COVID-19, by age group, 2021/22 – 2024/25


GP consultation rates for COVID-19, by HSCT, 2021/22 – 2024/25

Figure 3.9: GP consultation rates for COVID-19, by HSCT, 2021/22 – 2024/25


4 Community surveillance

4.1 Influenza, RSV and COVID-19 care homes outbreaks

There was one COVID-19 outbreak reported in a care home setting in week 26. This is less than week 25 (two COVID-19 outbreaks reported) (Figure 4.1).


Weekly number of confirmed influenza, RSV and COVID-19 outbreaks, by year and epidemiological week

Figure 4.1: Weekly number of confirmed influenza, RSV and COVID-19 outbreaks, by year and epidemiological week


5 Secondary care surveillance

5.1 Admissions and occupancy

There were 58 new community-acquired emergency hospital admissions during week 26 (Figure 5.1). This is an increase compared to week 25 (51 admissions). Of the 58 new admissions, four were Flu A and 54 were COVID-19.

The 15-44 age group had the majority of community acquired emergency influenza hospital admissions in week 26 (50.0%). The 75+ age group had the majority of COVID-19 hospital admissions (42.6%).

A supplementary table of community-acquired emergency hospital admissions is shown at the end of this report.

Community-acquired emergency influenza, RSV and COVID-19 inpatients have remained stable (Figure 5.2).


Weekly number of community-acquired emergency influenza, RSV and COVID-19 hospital admissions, by year and epidemiological week

Figure 5.1: Weekly number of community-acquired emergency influenza, RSV and COVID-19 hospital admissions, by year and epidemiological week


Influenza, RSV and COVID-19 community acquired emergency inpatients, by day

Figure 5.2: Influenza, RSV and COVID-19 community acquired emergency inpatients, by day


6 Mortality surveillance

6.3 Excess Mortality

NISRA use the UK-wide methodology to report on excess deaths as advised by the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

EuroMOMO is a European mortality monitoring activity, aiming to detect and measure excess deaths related to seasonal influenza, pandemics and other public health threats. Reports on excess deaths across Europe and the United Kingdom are published weekly.

7 Vaccine Uptake

Data for the COVID-19 Spring 2025 vaccination campaign is available in the COVID-19 Spring 2025 Vaccination Surveillance report.

8 Methods

8.1 Presentation of data

Unless otherwise stated, data are presented using epidemiological weeks (a standardised method of counting weeks [Monday-Sunday] to allow for the comparison of data year after year). This is dependent on the data available. The data included in this report are the most up to date data available at the time of the report; however, this is subject to change as the data are subject to ongoing quality assurance.

8.2 Virology surveillance

All virology data provided here are preliminary. Virology data for prior weeks, as included in this or future reports, are subject to updates based on laboratory returns received after the last report was produced. The current report offers the most current information available.

Rates per 100,000 population are calculated using the NISRA 2021 Mid-Year Population Estimates.

8.2.1 Episodes of infection

Influenza

Influenza episodes are defined by a 42-day (6-week) period from the date of the first positive test result (utilising any test method, including PCR and Point of Care Tests, or source of sample, including hospital, GP, other source), with the episode beginning with the earliest positive specimen date. Subsequent positive specimen dates for the same individual within 42 days of the last are included in the one episode. Positive specimens for the same individual more than 42 days after the last are counted in a separate episode.

RSV

RSV episodes are defined by a 14-day (2-week) period from the date of the first positive test result (utilising any test method, including PCR and Point of Care Tests, or source of sample, including hospital, GP, other source), with the episode beginning with the earliest positive specimen date. Subsequent positive specimen dates for the same individual within 14 days of the last are included in the one episode. Positive specimens for the same individual more than 14 days after the last are counted in a separate episode.

COVID-19

COVID-19 episodes are defined by a rolling 90-day period between positive test results (any test method, sourced from the NI COVID-19 combined testing register), with the episode beginning with the earliest positive specimen date. Subsequent positive specimen dates for the same individual within 90 days of the last are included in the one episode. Positive specimens for the same individual more than 90 days after the last are counted in a separate episode.

8.2.2 Testing and positivity (%)

Influenza, RSV, COVID-19, rhinovirus, adenovirus, parainfluenza and human metapneumovirus

Instead of utilising an episode-based approach, the data is analysed on an epidemiological week basis. Within each epidemiological week, an individual is limited to one influenza test, whether positive or negative. If an individual tests positive for influenza during a specific epidemiological week and subsequently tests positive again within the same week, the second positive test is not counted. Regardless of whether it occurs before or after a negative test within the same epidemiological week, a positive test always takes precedence and is recorded. Similarly, only the first test of multiple negative results is counted for each individual within any given epidemiological week. This helps prevent the double-counting of tests, particularly for individuals who may be hospitalised and routinely tested.

Weekly test positivity is calculated as the proportion of positive tests to total tests conducted. To estimate the uncertainty around these proportions, 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were computed using the Wilson score interval. The Wilson method is a binomial proportion CI that avoids the limitations of some other methods, particularly for small sample sizes or extreme proportions. It provides more accurate bounds by incorporating the standard error and adjusting for asymmetry in the binomial distribution. This method ensures that the plotted CIs reflect the true statistical uncertainty in weekly positivity estimates.

The same methodology is applied when analysing RSV, COVID-19, rhinovirus, adenovirus, parainfluenza and human metapneumovirus data.

Sentinel surveillance

The Public Health Agency works with GPs to deliver a community-based surveillance programme for respiratory infections in NI. The programme provides valuable intelligence about the circulation of respiratory viruses in NI to inform health and social care system planning and preparedness. Participation involves taking nasal/throat swabs from some symptomatic patients who agree to have a swab, and who attend (in person) with ILI, ARI or suspected COVID-19. Testing is opportunistic and within 10 days of symptom onset. Swabs are tested for influenza, RSV and COVID-19 at the RVL and surveillance is year-round.

8.3 SARS-CoV-2 genomics

A subset of SARS-CoV-2 positive PCR samples are sent to sequencing laboratories in Belfast Health and Social Care Trust and Queen’s University Belfast for sequencing. On 29th November the lineage assignment algorithm was switched from PangoLEARN to UShER for lineage counts. PangoLEARN uses a machine learning algorithm, whereas UShER uses phylogenetic placement and produces fewer unassigned lineages. This switch has been applied retrospectively, therefore total counts for all lineages have been affected. A more detailed COVID-19 Genomics Bulletin containing a further breakdown of sub-lineages is published weekly.

8.4 Primary care surveillance

Consultation rates for influenza/influenza-like-illness (‘flu/ILI’), acute respiratory infection (ARI) and COVID-19

GP in-hours consultation data with ~95% coverage of the NI population is auto-extracted weekly from GPIP. This data includes weekly aggregate consultations for ‘flu/ILI’, ARI, and COVID-19, and includes weekly registered patients. The data is available for different Health and Social Care Trusts, and by age and sex.

8.5 Community surveillance

Care home outbreaks

PHA conducts surveillance of outbreaks across multiple settings, including care homes (nursing homes and residential homes) in NI that are registered with the Regulation and Quality Improvement Agency. All care homes have a requirement to notify the PHA Health Protection duty room of suspected outbreaks of any infectious disease. A confirmed outbreak of influenza or RSV can be defined as where there are two or more confirmed cases with onset within a 14 day period, where transmission within the Care Home facility is considered the likely cause.

8.6 Secondary care surveillance

Admissions and occupancy

It is not currently possible for this report to distinguish emergency from other types of admission for each Trusts hospital data following the introduction of a new electronic healthcare record. This was introduced in the SEHSCT on 06/11/2023; BHSCT on 06/06/2024, NHSCT on 07/11/2024, and WHSCT and SHSCT on 28/04/2025. For this report, all community-acquired admissions are included from the respective dates above for each Trust, which will include non-emergency admissions (which are a small minority of the total admissions reported). Only admissions where the method of admission was ‘Emergency’ are counted before these dates for each Trust. Work is ongoing to adapt systems to new data sources and re-instate differentiation of emergency admissions. Ongoing developmental and quality assurance work may result in adjustments to figures.

Influenza and RSV

Community-acquired influenza and RSV emergency admissions to acute hospitals are estimated by combining data from PAS and virological reports in NIHAP. Admissions are counted where there was a positive test up to seven days before admission or up to one day after admission, and the method of admission was ‘Emergency’. The number of inpatients is counted at midnight. Admissions and occupancy refer to the first admission per infection episode.

COVID-19

Community-acquired COVID-19 emergency admissions are estimated by combining data from the NI COVID-19 Combined Testing Register and hospital admission information. Admissions are counted where there was a positive PCR or lateral flow test up to 14 days before admission or up to one day after admission. The number of inpatients is counted at midnight. Admissions and occupancy refer to the first admission per infection episode, including transfers between hospitals. The method used in this report is different to that previously reported by the Department of Health’s COVID-19 dashboard, which used administrative coding to identify COVID-19 admissions.

8.7 Mortality surveillance

NISRA death statistics are published weekly, and include weekly counts of deaths related to influenza and/or pneumonia (new from 31 January 2025), and deaths related to COVID-19. This enables comparisons with weekly information published by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) covering England and Wales.

The statistics report on deaths where influenza and/or pneumonia, or COVID-19, was mentioned anywhere on the death certificate. As a result, the counts will reflect deaths where these diseases have contributed to a death but was not necessarily the underlying cause of the death.

9 Supplementary tables

9.1 Unique episodes of influenza, RSV and COVID-19, by epidemiological week, over a six week period

Year and week

Unique episodes

2025 - 21

Influenza A

5

Influenza B

1

RSV

0

COVID-19

45

2025 - 22

Influenza A

8

Influenza B

1

RSV

0

COVID-19

63

2025 - 23

Influenza A

5

Influenza B

0

RSV

1

COVID-19

99

2025 - 24

Influenza A

5

Influenza B

2

RSV

0

COVID-19

138

2025 - 25

Influenza A

6

Influenza B

0

RSV

2

COVID-19

127

2025 - 26

Influenza A

9

Influenza B

0

RSV

0

COVID-19

117

9.2 Influenza, RSV and COVID-19 episode rates per 100,000 population, by age group, over a six week period

2025 - 21

2025 - 22

2025 - 23

2025 - 24

2025 - 25

2025 - 26

0-4

Influenza

1.8

0.0

0.9

3.5

0.0

0.0

RSV

0.0

0.0

0.9

0.0

0.9

0.0

COVID-19

6.2

6.2

14.2

15.0

15.9

15.0

5-14

Influenza

0.4

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

RSV

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

COVID-19

0.0

0.4

2.0

3.2

0.8

2.0

15-44

Influenza

0.0

0.3

0.0

0.1

0.0

0.3

RSV

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.1

0.0

COVID-19

0.6

1.3

1.1

2.7

2.4

3.1

45-64

Influenza

0.2

0.6

0.6

0.2

0.0

0.4

RSV

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

COVID-19

1.4

2.8

2.8

5.3

4.0

2.8

65-74

Influenza

0.6

1.1

0.6

0.6

1.7

1.1

RSV

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

COVID-19

2.8

5.1

7.3

9.6

10.1

5.1

75+

Influenza

0.7

1.3

0.0

0.0

2.0

2.0

RSV

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

COVID-19

14.5

15.2

28.4

33.7

34.3

33.0

9.3 Influenza, RSV and COVID-19 episode rates per 100,000 population, by local government district, over a six week period

2025 - 21

2025 - 22

2025 - 23

2025 - 24

2025 - 25

2025 - 26

Antrim and Newtownabbey

Influenza

0.0

0.7

0.7

0.0

0.0

0.7

RSV

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.7

0.0

COVID-19

4.1

4.1

2.7

8.9

7.5

3.4

Ards and North Down

Influenza

1.2

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.6

0.6

RSV

0.0

0.0

0.6

0.0

0.6

0.0

COVID-19

1.2

4.3

7.9

11.6

9.8

7.3

Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon

Influenza

0.0

0.5

0.0

0.5

0.0

0.0

RSV

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

COVID-19

2.3

5.5

5.9

6.8

5.5

5.9

Belfast

Influenza

0.6

0.3

0.0

0.0

0.3

0.0

RSV

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

COVID-19

2.3

3.5

4.9

9.0

5.5

6.1

Causeway Coast and Glens

Influenza

0.0

0.7

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.7

RSV

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

COVID-19

2.8

2.1

6.4

4.9

1.4

3.5

Derry City and Strabane

Influenza

0.0

2.0

0.7

0.7

0.0

0.0

RSV

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

COVID-19

4.0

2.7

6.0

2.7

6.0

6.0

Fermanagh and Omagh

Influenza

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.9

0.0

RSV

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

COVID-19

0.9

0.0

1.7

3.4

6.0

6.8

Lisburn and Castlereagh

Influenza

1.3

0.0

0.7

0.0

0.0

0.0

RSV

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

COVID-19

2.0

3.3

6.7

7.4

13.4

7.4

Mid and East Antrim

Influenza

0.0

0.0

0.0

1.4

1.4

2.2

RSV

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

COVID-19

2.2

3.6

3.6

3.6

5.0

5.8

Mid Ulster

Influenza

0.0

0.0

1.3

1.3

0.7

0.7

RSV

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

COVID-19

3.3

5.3

6.6

6.0

7.3

4.0

Newry, Mourne and Down

Influenza

0.0

1.1

0.0

0.5

0.0

1.1

RSV

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

COVID-19

1.1

0.5

3.8

9.9

6.6

10.4

Northern Ireland

Influenza

0.3

0.5

0.3

0.4

0.3

0.5

RSV

0.0

0.0

0.1

0.0

0.1

0.0

COVID-19

2.4

3.3

5.2

7.2

6.7

6.1

9.4 Total tests and positivity for influenza, RSV and COVID-19, by epidemiological week, over a six week period

Year and Week

Total Tests

Total Positives

Positivity (%)

2025 - 21

Influenza

1,201

6

0.50

RSV

724

0

0.00

COVID-19

1,217

59

4.85

2025 - 22

Influenza

1,164

9

0.77

RSV

718

0

0.00

COVID-19

1,194

70

5.86

2025 - 23

Influenza

1,328

5

0.38

RSV

820

1

0.12

COVID-19

1,354

103

7.61

2025 - 24

Influenza

1,427

7

0.49

RSV

877

0

0.00

COVID-19

1,458

150

10.29

2025 - 25

Influenza

1,447

6

0.41

RSV

850

2

0.24

COVID-19

1,489

150

10.07

2025 - 26

Influenza

1,414

9

0.64

RSV

798

0

0.00

COVID-19

1,458

138

9.47

9.5 Unique episodes of influenza, by subtype, over a six week period

Year and week

Flu A (H1)

Flu A (H3)

Flu A (not subtyped)

Flu B

2025 - 21

1

1

3

1

2025 - 22

2

2

4

1

2025 - 23

0

0

5

0

2025 - 24

0

0

5

2

2025 - 25

2

0

4

0

2025 - 26

1

0

8

0

9.6 Total sentinel tests and positivity for influenza, RSV and COVID-19, by epidemiological week, over a six week period

Year and Week

Total Tests

Total Positives

Positivity (%)

2025 - 21

Influenza

2

0

0.00

RSV

2

0

0.00

COVID-19

2

0

0.00

2025 - 22

Influenza

3

0

0.00

RSV

3

0

0.00

COVID-19

3

1

33.33

2025 - 23

Influenza

4

0

0.00

RSV

4

0

0.00

COVID-19

4

0

0.00

2025 - 24

Influenza

3

0

0.00

RSV

3

0

0.00

COVID-19

3

0

0.00

2025 - 25

Influenza

8

0

0.00

RSV

8

0

0.00

COVID-19

8

0

0.00

2025 - 26

Influenza

3

0

0.00

RSV

3

0

0.00

COVID-19

3

0

0.00

9.7 Total non-sentinel tests and positivity for influenza, RSV and COVID-19, by epidemiological week, over a six week period

Year and Week

Total Tests

Total Positives

Positivity (%)

2025 - 21

Influenza

1,199

6

0.50

RSV

722

0

0.00

COVID-19

1,215

59

4.86

2025 - 22

Influenza

1,161

9

0.78

RSV

715

0

0.00

COVID-19

1,191

69

5.79

2025 - 23

Influenza

1,324

5

0.38

RSV

816

1

0.12

COVID-19

1,350

103

7.63

2025 - 24

Influenza

1,424

7

0.49

RSV

874

0

0.00

COVID-19

1,455

150

10.31

2025 - 25

Influenza

1,439

6

0.42

RSV

842

2

0.24

COVID-19

1,481

150

10.13

2025 - 26

Influenza

1,412

9

0.64

RSV

795

0

0.00

COVID-19

1,456

138

9.48

9.8 Number of sequenced samples for variants in Northern Ireland

Parent Lineage

Cumulative Number Sequenced

BA.2

11

BA.3

17

JN.1

60

KP

54

KP.3

458

LP.8.1

75

NB.1.8.1

23

Unassigned

148

XBB

1

XBB.1.5

2

XEC

146

XEC.2

37

XEC.3

15

XEC.4

8

XEC.5

4

XEC.8

2

XFG

10

This table only shows counts for lineages with 10 or more sequenced samples from epidemiological year-week 2024 - 26 onwards. Lineage counts include provisional and confirmed sequencing samples. Lineage calls are subject to change following analysis of genomic sequence results, which may result in fluctuations in lineage counts.

9.9 Flu/ILI consultation rates per 100,000 population, by age group, over a six week period

0-4

5-14

15-44

45-64

65-74

75+

2025 - 21

0.96

1.16

2.34

3.53

3.09

2.99

2025 - 22

0.00

0.78

1.23

2.04

1.55

3.58

2025 - 23

0.97

0.78

4.06

2.97

2.06

4.17

2025 - 24

1.95

2.33

3.69

3.71

5.66

2.97

2025 - 25

0.97

1.55

2.59

3.15

3.60

5.94

2025 - 26

0.00

0.39

3.20

4.08

2.05

4.15

9.10 Flu/ILI consultation rates per 100,000 population, by Health and Social Care Trust, over a six week period

Belfast

Northern

South Eastern

Southern

Western

Northern Ireland

2025 - 21

2.65

2.23

2.75

2.36

2.93

2.56

2025 - 22

1.10

0.41

1.38

0.71

4.98

1.54

2025 - 23

2.87

2.44

1.93

4.01

4.10

3.04

2025 - 24

2.43

3.45

3.03

3.77

5.56

3.57

2025 - 25

1.77

3.25

4.13

2.59

2.93

2.89

2025 - 26

1.99

2.84

3.30

3.30

3.22

2.89

9.11 ARI consultation rates per 100,000 population, by age group, over a six week period

0-4

5-14

15-44

45-64

65-74

75+

2025 - 21

517.96

163.22

99.99

131.02

195.34

285.03

2025 - 22

419.20

110.91

75.61

106.32

174.08

246.33

2025 - 23

528.56

150.52

103.08

120.39

199.16

250.61

2025 - 24

534.68

163.75

98.41

114.43

186.13

245.99

2025 - 25

501.93

161.46

93.14

112.22

180.85

241.72

2025 - 26

457.09

113.36

96.20

112.21

175.66

217.21

9.12 ARI consultation rates per 100,000 population, by Health and Social Care Trust, over a six week period

Belfast

Northern

South Eastern

Southern

Western

Northern Ireland

2025 - 21

156.16

154.70

150.85

145.24

205.02

160.70

2025 - 22

121.48

115.92

121.12

118.59

173.97

128.15

2025 - 23

156.16

147.39

148.37

131.55

204.14

155.58

2025 - 24

153.72

148.40

153.32

120.94

195.06

152.49

2025 - 25

132.37

151.63

137.36

130.13

191.54

147.10

2025 - 26

138.10

128.27

132.95

114.08

184.77

137.63

9.13 COVID-19 consultation rates per 100,000 population, by age group, over a six week period

0-4

5-14

15-44

45-64

65-74

75+

2025 - 21

1.93

0.00

0.74

1.30

5.15

5.38

2025 - 22

2.90

0.78

0.62

1.67

2.58

5.37

2025 - 23

5.82

0.00

1.11

2.23

4.12

6.55

2025 - 24

2.92

0.39

0.37

2.41

2.06

4.75

2025 - 25

4.87

0.39

1.60

2.78

5.14

4.16

2025 - 26

4.87

0.00

1.48

3.34

4.11

8.31

9.14 COVID-19 consultation rates per 100,000 population, by Health and Social Care Trust, over a six week period

Belfast

Northern

South Eastern

Southern

Western

Northern Ireland

2025 - 21

2.43

0.81

0.55

2.36

2.05

1.64

2025 - 22

1.77

1.02

1.38

2.59

1.17

1.59

2025 - 23

2.65

1.62

0.83

2.59

3.51

2.22

2025 - 24

1.99

1.22

1.38

1.65

1.46

1.54

2025 - 25

1.99

2.23

2.75

3.54

1.76

2.46

2025 - 26

2.65

1.01

3.58

3.54

3.51

2.75

9.15 Number of community-acquired emergency hospital admissions, over a six week period

Year and week

Flu A

Flu B

RSV

COVID-19

Total Admissions

2025 - 21

2

1

0

24

27

2025 - 22

3

0

0

23

26

2025 - 23

3

0

1

36

40

2025 - 24

2

1

0

52

55

2025 - 25

3

0

0

48

51

2025 - 26

4

0

0

54

58