More than 23,000 Brits died in winter last year - 191 every single day

There were an estimated 23,200 excess winter deaths in England and Wales in 2018-19 - the lowest recorded since winter 2013-14, figures show.

This was a "statistically significant" drop from the previous winter of 2017-18 when there were 49,410 excess winter deaths - the highest level since 1975-76.

The data from the Office for National Statistics [ONS] also showed respiratory diseases continued to be the leading cause of excess winter deaths.

Respiratory diseases accounted for 40.6% of excess winter deaths in England and 42.9% in Wales.

Excess winter mortality continued to be higher in women than men and was highest in females aged 90 years and over, the ONS added.

respiratory diseases continued to be the leading cause of excess winter deaths (Getty Images/Westend61)

The excess winter mortality [EWM] index in 2018 to 2019 showed that 14.2% more deaths occurred in the winter months in England compared with the non-winter months, while 13.1% more deaths occurred in the winter in Wales.

In England, the highest peak in daily deaths occurred on February 1 and coincided with the coldest day of the year on January 31 when temperatures reached a maximum of 1.7C.

This peak was much later than previous years as the coldest day usually occurs around the beginning of January.

The number of daily deaths during the 2018 to 2019 winter was below the five-year average throughout the majority of the period [97 out of 121 days]. 

The peak in excess winter deaths coincided with the coldest day of the year (Getty)

In Wales, the highest peak in daily deaths was on February 13, which like England was later than previous winters.

In comparison with the five-year average, daily winter deaths in Wales were lower across the majority of days [87 out of 121 days].

The ONS report said the decrease in excess winter deaths was likely to be down to milder weather compared to the previous winter and the lower impact of flu on the elderly in 2018-19.

It added: "The substantial reductions observed in both England and Wales since the previous winter shows the fluctuations in EWM (excess winter deaths).

"The recent decreases are likely related to the milder weather experienced in the winter months compared with the previous winter and the lower impact of influenza on the elderly in 2018 to 2019, and supports improvement in the efficacy of influenza vaccines."

Excess winter mortality continued to be higher in women compared with men, and was highest in females aged 90 years and over, the ONS added.

In England there were an estimated 21,900 excess winter deaths in 2018-19 with 46% among men and 54% among women.