Britain is facing a “quad-demic” of Covid, flu, RSV and norovirus, with hospitals busy, cases rising, and experts urging the public to spot symptoms and take care
Brits are being hit by a surge of winter illness as Covid, flu, and norovirus circulate at the same time, leaving health experts warning that knowing which virus you have and when to seek help is more important than ever.
Amidst the cold snap this weekend, and the general temperature plummeting, doctors say the UK is facing a “quad-demic” of respiratory and stomach bugs this winter, with Covid-19, influenza, RSV and norovirus all rising. Some infections remain mild; however, overlap in symptoms is making it difficult for patients to tell one illness from another without testing.
Health experts warn that overlapping signs mean many people may assume they have a mild cold when they are actually carrying flu or Covid, while others may mistake norovirus for a respiratory bug. The only way to know what you have is by testing which virus is to blame, says Professor Francois Balloux, director of the UCL Genetics Institute, The Telegraph reports.
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The key way to tell which virus you’ve got, according to the experts:
If it’s Covid, symptoms may feel milder but can linger
COVID-19 no longer presents the same way for everyone. According to the UK Health Security Agency, many people now experience cold-like symptoms such as a sore throat, blocked nose and tiredness. Others may still develop fever, chills, continuous cough, headache, nausea or diarrhoea. Loss of taste or smell can still occur, but Dr Simon Clarke of the University of Reading says this symptom is not unique to Covid and can happen with other respiratory viruses.
Most people recover within days or weeks, and a full recovery can take up to three months, but some develop long Covid. Data from the Office for National Statistics from April shows around two million people in England and Scotland self-report ongoing symptoms such as constant fatigue, brain fog and shortness of breath.
If it’s the flu, you’ll likely feel suddenly and severely unwell
Flu tends to hit harder and faster than other winter illnesses. The UKHSA lists symptoms including sudden fever, dry cough, body aches, headache, sore throat and nausea. Dr Clarke explains flu often leaves people unable to function. “It’s often said that if you can’t get out of bed to pick up a £20 note from your bedroom floor, then you’ve probably got the flu,” he said. If you are able to get out of bed and go to work, it’s not the flu, according to the Doctor.
While most people recover within a week, flu can be dangerous for vulnerable groups, such as those with chest or heart disease or diabetes. Over the last two winters, it has contributed to at least 18,000 deaths. Experts also warn that catching flu alongside Covid or bacteria can significantly increase the risk of severe pneumonia.
RSV often looks like a bad cold, but can be serious
RSV typically causes coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, tiredness and fever. While mild for many adults, it can lead to bronchiolitis in babies and pneumonia in older people.
The UKHSA estimates RSV causes around 20,000 hospitalisations in babies each year, with 20 to 30 deaths in the UK each year. However, it’s not just babies; data shows that around 9,000 admissions come from those who are over-75 due to complications.
Norovirus is the easiest to spot
Norovirus, also known as the winter vomiting bug, stands apart from the respiratory viruses. It causes vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach pain and cramps and nausea, sometimes alongside fever and aching limbs.
Professor Balloux says its gastrointestinal symptoms make it easier to identify. Most cases last two to three days, but can be dangerous for young children, older adults and those with weakened immune systems.
Why knowing the virus matters right now
The UK is seeing a winter surge driven by people spending more time indoors and cold air drying out airways, making infection more likely. Professor Kamila Hawthorne, chair of the Royal College of GPs, said rates of respiratory infections and flu-like illness are rising in line with seasonal expectations. She added, “It looks like this will be the first winter since the start of the COVID pandemic that we won’t have to deal with a new variant.” Not having a new COVID-19 variant would be a cause for celebration; however, Professor Balloux added that the lack of a new variant drives a new wave of infection. The current strain, titled XEC Covid strain, is the most commonly detected in the UK and has been present since the summer.
Whilst none of these four illnesses pose a serious risk to people who have a clean bill of health, according to David Livermore, Professor of medical microbiology at the University of East Anglia, “all can be the final straw in someone of 80 or 90 in a care home with multiple underlying health problems.”
What to do if you’re ill
Doctors advise staying at home, resting and keeping hydrated. Paracetamol can help reduce fever and ease aches, while decongestants may relieve respiratory symptoms. With norovirus, people should remain at home for at least 48 hours after symptoms stop to prevent spreading the infection.
Dr Clarke advises that “there’s no real treatment for bugs,” and letting them pass is the best course of action. Professor Hawthorne added, “If patients have any concerns for their health or have a more serious case, they should seek medical assistance.” In severe cases, antivirals can be offered to those who are at risk of serious complications.
Pressure on the NHS remains high despite a slight drop in flu admissions over Christmas. Last week, 2,676 patients were in hospital with flu in England, down from 3,061 the previous week, helped by vaccination efforts. Vaccination remains the strongest defence against severe illness from flu, Covid and RSV, with free jabs available for eligible groups. There is currently no vaccine for the norovirus, but one is currently being trialled in the UK.
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