NHS warning over 'tripledemic' of Covid, flu and RSV - how to spot signs of winter viruses

Health bosses have issued a warning over winter viruses
-Credit: (Image: Moment RF/Getty Images)


Major efforts are being made across the country to prevent a ‘tripledemic’ of winter viruses.

Latest vaccination data shows that 335 jabs were given for Covid, flu and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) per minute on average from September 30 to November 17. That gave a total of around 3.4 million vaccinations a week. Almost 25 million vaccinations have been delivered for the three viruses since rollout began in September as those eligible came forward to get protected.

Steve Russell, NHS national director for vaccinations and screening, said: "Thanks to the incredible efforts of NHS teams across the country, we are providing more than 300 vaccinations a minute against Covid, flu and RSV, to protect those most vulnerable during the colder months. Getting vaccinated is your best defence against winter viruses and will help prevent people from getting seriously ill, reduce the amount of people needing hospital care, and help keep people at home with their families this winter."

READ MORE: TV doctor explains first signs a person may be having a stroke and when to call 999

READ MORE: Food experts list nine things you should stop eating after the age of 50

Out of almost 25 million vaccinations, more than one million have been given for RSV after the NHS rolled out the jab for the first time ever in a major push to avoid a tripledemic, reports the Manchester Evening News. Mr Russell added: "We’ve now delivered millions of vaccinations – with thousands of sites offering Covid and flu jabs together – and have rolled out an RSV vaccination for the first time to help avoid a ‘tripledemic’ this winter – but we’re still urging more people to come forward and make sure they are protected this winter by getting these lifesaving vaccines as soon as possible."

Flu vaccinations have been available for pregnant women and children since September 1 to help stop the virus spreading as schools returned. They have now been fully rolled out across the country to all remaining eligible groups.

Those eligible for an RSV vaccine include people aged 75 to 79 and pregnant women. The NHS advises women from 28 weeks to any point up to birth to speak to their maternity service about receiving a vaccination. Alternatively, pregnant women can get vaccinated by request at their local GP practice. Older adults will also be invited by their local GP practice.

Keep up to date with all the latest breaking news and top stories from the North East with our free newsletter

Symptoms of RSV

Symptoms of an RSV infection usually start within a few days of getting infected. Most people only get cold-like symptoms, such as:

  • a runny or blocked nose

  • a cough

  • sneezing

  • tiredness

  • a high temperature – signs include your back or chest feeling hotter than usual, sweatiness and shivering (chills)

Babies with RSV may also be irritable and feed less than usual. If RSV leads to a more serious infection (such as pneumonia or bronchiolitis) it may also cause:

  • a cough that gets worse

  • shortness of breath

  • faster breathing or long gaps between breaths

  • difficulty feeding (in babies) or loss of appetite

  • noisy breathing (wheezing)

  • confusion (in older adults)

Symptoms of Covid

COVID-19 symptoms can include:

  • a high temperature or shivering (chills) – a high temperature means you feel hot to touch on your chest or back

  • a new, continuous cough – this means coughing a lot for more than an hour, or 3 or more coughing episodes in 24 hours

  • a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste

  • shortness of breath

  • feeling tired or exhausted

  • an aching body

  • a headache

  • a sore throat

  • a blocked or runny nose

  • loss of appetite

  • diarrhoea

  • feeling sick or being sick

The symptoms are very similar to those of other illnesses, such as colds and flu. Most people feel better within a few weeks, but it can take longer to recover. For some people, it can be a more serious illness and their symptoms can last longer.

Symptoms of flu

Flu symptoms come on very quickly and can include:

  • a sudden high temperature

  • an aching body

  • feeling tired or exhausted

  • a dry cough

  • a sore throat

  • a headache

  • difficulty sleeping

  • loss of appetite

  • diarrhoea or tummy pain

  • feeling sick and being sick

The symptoms are similar for children. But they can also get pain in their ear and appear less active.