Influenza Prescribing 2024 

Updated: 06/12/2024

UKHSA surveillance data indicates that influenza is circulating in the community. While some areas continue to see low levels of influenza activity, surveillance indicators show that activity is increasing in all levels of care and activity is expected to increase further over the coming weeks. The most notable changes have been a significant increase in influenza positivity through laboratory surveillance and an increase in acute respiratory infection outbreaks with a marked increase in those with influenza reported, principally in care homes.  Ref. CEM/CMO/2024/003 

Prescribers working in primary care may now prescribe, and community pharmacists may now supply antiviral medicines (oseltamivir and zanamivir) for the prophylaxis and treatment of influenza at NHS expense.