Winter Mortality Lowest
level since 1997/98
The winter of 2002/03 (December to March) had an estimated
24,000 more deaths than the non-winter period (see
definition below). This is the third consecutive winter
where the number of additional deaths has been below
30,000. The winters of 2000/01 and 2001/02 had 24,840
and 27,230 additional deaths respectively.
The number of additional deaths
occurring in winter varies depending on temperature
and the level of disease in the population, as well
as other factors.
The winter of 1997/98 had the
lowest increase in deaths over the ten years 1993/94
to 2002/03, with 22,900 more deaths than in the non-winter
period. However, additional mortality was twice as
high in the following two winters. The winter of 1999/2000
had 48,440 more deaths than in the non-winter period
- the highest number in the last ten years.
The elderly experience the greatest
increase in deaths each winter. In the winter of 2002/03
there were 21,800 more deaths among those aged 65
and over than in the non-winter period. In contrast,
the winter excess was 2,300 deaths for those under
the age of 65.
Respiratory and circulatory
diseases are responsible for most of the increase
seen during the winter months. Influenza is often
implicated in winter mortality as it can lead to bronchitis
and pneumonia, especially in the elderly, although
relatively few deaths are attributed to influenza
itself.
