Four common seasonal respiratory viruses are on the rise this winter, with experts warning that we are now facing a ‘quad-demic’ in the UK.
The UK Health and Security Agency (UKHSA) is currently monitoring the rising number of cases of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and norovirus.
New data has revealed that the number of people admitted to hospital with flu has increased by 352% since this time last year.
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There are several reasons why people are more likely to develop a respiratory virus in the winter rather than summer, including lower temperatures forcing people to spend most of their time inside, making it easier for respiratory viruses to spread.
In addition, people tend to have lower levels of vitamin D during the winter due to a lack of sunlight.
Experts have also suggested that individuals are more prone to developing respiratory viruses due to the lack of socialisation and exposure during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Since the pandemic, people have changed the way they work and live, resulting in viruses spreading in a different way.
Healthcare professionals are now urging people to get vaccinated to protect them from developing these seasonal viruses.
Flu and COVID-19 vaccinations are eligible to all care home residents, adults aged 65 and over and people with certain underlying health conditions.
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Since November 2024, more than one million individuals have had the RSV vaccine as part of a programme recently rolled out by the NHS.
Older adults aged 75 to 79 and pregnant women are all eligible for the RSV vaccine. There are currently no vaccines to protect people against norovirus.
Recent figures have shown that the number of flu cases among school children aged five to 14 has risen by nearly 12% in seven days.
Cases of monkeypox and avian flu have also been reported in the UK, latest research has revealed.
