Do real time 'flu spotter rates warn us about impending emergency admissions and deaths?

Abstract

This study aimed to determine how general practice influenza surveillance ('flu spotter) data related to hospital admissions and deaths in Scotland during the winter period. 'Flu spotter rates correlated well with influenza-related emergency admissions and deaths, and deaths from all causes, particularly during 'peak' influenza years. They may be used in a predictive model for influenza-related hospital admissions and deaths.