UK warned of ‘quad-demic’ with surge in cases of highly contagious winter bugs

If you’re sniffling or can feel a sore throat coming on this week, you’re far from alone.

We’re in the depths of winter bug season, and three out of four of the big baddies circulating have seen an increase this week.

The combo of flu, RSV, norovirus and Covid-19 has been dubbed the ‘quad-demic’ by doctors. None of them are much fun, and they’re even worse if they show up together.

Latest figures from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) showed all were on the increase except Covid, which remained stable and was at baseline levels. 

The figures show flu activity ‘increased across most indicators’, while Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) activity increased and was circulating at medium levels of activity.

The government releases surveillance data each week over winter of the levels of the four viruses, along with public health advice. 

NHS GP David Lloyd told Sky News Breakfast that the term quad-demic refers to the ‘four very common viral illnesses that circulate every winter in different peaks’.

Last month, figures showed how cases of norovirus were at double the average for the previous five years, with a new strain taking hold.

Dr Alexander Allen, Consultant Epidemiologist at UKHSA, said: ‘Flu is the cause of the rise in winter illnesses that we’ve seen in the past week, with emergency department attendances also increasing. 

‘Anyone still eligible for the flu, COVID-19 or RSV vaccines should get booked in ahead of the busy winter period, when we expect flu, and other respiratory viruses to spread between people more easily. 

‘Vaccination offers the best defense against these diseases, and now is the time to get protected before Christmas.’

The government urged people showing symptoms such as a high temperature, cough, and feeling tired and achy, to try to limit their contact with others, especially those who are vulnerable. Washing your hands regularly and using tissues can reduce the spread of respiratory illnesses.

For the first time this year, anyone who is 28 or more weeks pregnant, along with people aged 75 to 79 years, can get a vaccination against RSV. 

Having the vaccine in week 28 or within a few weeks of this will help build a good level of antibodies to pass on to their baby before birth, giving the newborn baby the best protection, including if they are born early. 

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