New Covid strains and flu surge up to 70% in a week – as experts warn of winter ‘quademic’

EXPERTS have urged Brits to protect themselves with “simple steps” as infections of new Covid strains and flu surge.

The number of flu cases almost doubled in a week – reflecting a 70 per cent increase – a report by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) showed.

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Covid and flu infections are beginning to rise as cold weather sets in[/caption]

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Positive flu tests almost doubled in a week, according to UKHSA[/caption]

Covid-19 cases also rose, mainly driven by the new XFG strain dubbed Stratus.

Another variant, known as the NB.1.8.1 or Nimbus, is also circulating.

The rise in cases comes ahead of a looming winter ‘quademic’.

Health experts fear that Covid, flu, the vomiting bug norovirus and coughing bug RSV will all surge as cold weather sets in – placing pressure on hospitals and the NHS and making the coming months “very challenging”.

In its most recent report, UKHSA warned flu cases were “increasing”, particularly among “young adults”.

The number of people testing positive for influenza in hospital rose to 3.3 per cent in the week leading up to October 5 – almost double the 1.9 per cent positivity rate recorded the week before.

“Emergency department attendances for influenza-like-illness increased”, according to the health watchdog, but “the number of influenza-confirmed acute respiratory infections remained low”.

At the same time, 4.3 million people have received their flu vaccine – including 3.57 million last week alone, according to NHS England.

More than a million people have also received the Covid-19 vaccine.

Speaking of Covid, infections are rising too, fuelled by two new Covid variants that seem to be bypassing immunity from previous infections or vaccines.

The number of people testing positive for the virus in hospital rose from 11.7 per cent to 12.9 per cent in a week.

Hospitalisations for Covid increased to 4.65 per 100,000 compared to 3.41 per 100,000 in the previous week, mainly for patients aged 85 and over, and ICU admissions rose from 0.10 per 100,000 to 0.14 per 100,000.

Meanwhile, there were 78 acute respiratory incidents connected to Covid reported in the week leading up to October 5.

The Stratus and Nimbus strains are now the most common Covid variants being passed around in the UK.

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The new Stratus variant is the currently the most dominant in the UK[/caption]

UKHSA said Stratus was “the most prevalent lineage” in recently sampled Covid tests.

Dr Jamie Lopez Bernal, consultant epidemiologist at UKHSA, said: “The first weekly surveillance report of the 2025/26 season shows that both flu and Covid-19 positivity continue to increase, so everyone eligible for vaccination should take it up now to ensure optimal protection.

“The NHS national booking system has opened for all eligible groups to book their flu and Covid-19 vaccination appointments.”

It comes after major hospitals introduced mandatory mask-wearing to combat rising flu and Covid infections.

The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital Trust – which operates the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital and Telford’s Princess Royal Hospital – said visitors and patients would be asked to wear masks at all times in some key areas.

Protect yourself with ‘simple steps’

As respiratory virus cases rise, UKHSA officials shared tips to stay safe and healthy.

Dr Lopez Bernal said: “Remember that there are simple steps everyone can take to protect themselves and others.

“Anyone experiencing flu or COVID-19 symptoms, including high temperature, cough and feeling tired or achy, should try to minimise contact with others, particularly with those who may be vulnerable.

“If you have symptoms and need to leave the house, our advice remains that you should consider wearing a face covering.

“Washing hands regularly and using and disposing tissues in bins can reduce the spread of respiratory illnesses, as can ensuring that indoor areas are well ventilated.”

Dr Amanda Doyle, national director for primary Care and community services at NHS England, said: “Vaccination is a crucial part of our efforts to protect the vulnerable and prepare for what we expect to be a very challenging winter, so I’m delighted to see this big increase in the numbers of people getting vaccinated at this stage.

“It is all the more vital as data shows viruses are beginning to increase, with our teams working extremely hard to make it as easy as possible to get vaccinated at your local GP practice, pharmacy, school or other community clinic.

“Vaccinations are our best defence against these potentially very dangerous viruses and can genuinely save lives, so I would urge everyone eligible to come forward for their jabs as soon as they can, with easy to book appointments or drop-in sessions now available closer to home.”

The NHS is urging people to check they are still eligible to receive a Covid-19 vaccine before booking – the NHS website sets out whether your age, health condition or medication means you are eligible, and your GP practice or pharmacist will confirm this before giving you the vaccine.

Flu vaccines are available for everyone aged 65 and over, under 65s in clinical risk groups, care home residents and carers, close contacts of those who are immunosuppressed, frontline health and social care workers, as well as children and pregnant women.

Those living in adult care homes are eligible for both the flu and Covid vaccine.

UKHSA also shared details on norovirus and RSV rates, which for the time being remain “low” and “within expected levels” for the time of year.

But officials still shared ways to curb the spread of the nasty vomiting bug “as we approach the colder months”.

“If you have diarrhoea and vomiting, don’t return to work, school or nursery until 48 hours after your symptoms have stopped and don’t prepare food for others in that time either.

“If you are unwell, avoid visiting people in hospitals and care homes to prevent passing on the infection in these settings.

“Washing your hands with soap and warm water and using bleach-based products to clean surfaces will also help stop infections from spreading.

“Alcohol gels do not kill norovirus so don’t rely on these alone.”