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Winter deaths 'highest since 1999' Winter deaths 'highest since 1999'
(35 minutes later)
There were estimated 43,900 excess deaths in England and Wales last winter, the highest number since 1999, figures show. There were an estimated 43,900 excess deaths in England and Wales last winter, the highest number since 1999, figures show.
The Office for National Statistics data shows most of the deaths involved people over 75. The report suggests most of the deaths involved people over 75.
Respiratory illnesses were the underlying cause of death for more than a third of cases. A major cause behind the rise was the flu virus and an influenza vaccine that was less effective than previous years, experts said.
The figures show the difference between the average number of deaths over the winter and the rest of the year. The figures are published by the Office of National Statistics and show there were more deaths in women than men.
Commenting on the statistics, Claudia Wells, at the ONS, said: "A major cause behind the rise was the flu virus, with estimates showing that the flu vaccine was not as effective this winter compared to previous years.Commenting on the statistics, Claudia Wells, at the ONS, said: "A major cause behind the rise was the flu virus, with estimates showing that the flu vaccine was not as effective this winter compared to previous years.
"While the cold temperature is a factor, most of last winter was warmer than average.""While the cold temperature is a factor, most of last winter was warmer than average."
Respiratory illnesses such as influenza and pneumonia were the underlying causes of death in more than a third of all winter deaths last year.
Large fluctuations in winter death rates are not uncommon and there were lower than average figures in 2013-14.
But despite this experts warn this years figures are "notably high".
The ONS defines excess winter deaths as the number of people whose deaths were registered between December and March, compared with the numbers for the previous three months and the following three months.
For the winter, the death rate was 27% higher.