Yahoo News What we know about 'quad-demic' threat of flu, COVID, RSV and norovirus this winter
Amid concerns over strain on the NHS, figures show that norovirus figures have risen compared to previous years.
A critical incident has been declared at Liverpool University Hospital over an "exceptionally high" demand on A&E and ward admissions.
The hospital said it had seen an "increasing number of people with flu and respiratory illnesses in our emergency departments in recent weeks".
Additionally two hospitals in Hampshire have declared critical incidents due to the number of patients requiring isolation amid a high level of respiratory viruses.
The critical categorisations come after the number of hospital patients with flu quadrupled over the months - with new figures from NHS England showing there were 5,074 patients hospitalised with flu on 29 December, compared to 1,190 at the end of November.
Flu is one of the four conditions said to make-up a “quad-demic” that health bosses have warned will pile extra pressure on hospitals over the winter. The others are: norovirus; Covid-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
The UKHSA said an increase in "norovirus activity" emerged earlier this season and reported cases are continuing to rise in all age groups - particularly adults aged 65 and over.
Its figures show the number of norovirus outbreaks reported to the Hospital Norovirus Outbreak Reporting System (HNORS) since the start of the 2024/2025 season is 23.7% higher than the 5-season average
With healthcare professionals saying they are “desperately worried” about the coming months, here's what we know about the illnesses that make up the so-called "quad-demic".
What are the most common flu symptoms?
The NHS says flu symptoms "come on very quickly" and 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, and feeling or being sick.
Am I eligible for a jab?
Flu vaccines are offered to people who are 65 and over (including those who will be 65 by 31 March next year); have certain health conditions; are pregnant; are in long-stay residential care; receive a carer's allowance or are the main carer for an older or disabled person who may be at risk if you get sick; or live with someone who is more likely to get a severe infection due to a weakened immune system.
For those who aren't eligible, you can pay for a flu jab privately at participating chemists if you wish, or, the NHS advises getting plenty of rest, keeping warm, taking paracetamol or ibuprofen to lower your body temperature and drinking plenty of water.
How many cases are there?
Last week (ending 29 December 2024) there were an average of 4,469 patients with flu in hospital each day – almost 3.5 times higher than the same week last year – including 211 a day in critical care.
What are the most common COVID symptoms?
COVID symptoms are similar to illnesses such as flu. The NHS says they include a high temperature or shivering, a new and continuous cough, 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, and feeling or being sick.
Am I eligible for a jab?
Vaccines are available to people who are aged 65 or over, pregnant, aged six months to 64 years and have an increased risk of getting seriously ill from COVID because of a health condition or treatment, live in a care home for older adults, or are a frontline health or social care worker.
For those who aren't eligible, the NHS advises getting lots of rest, drinking plenty of water, taking paracetamol or ibuprofen if you feel uncomfortable, having a teaspoon of honey if you have a cough, turning the heating down or opening a window to help with breathlessness, and sitting upright in a chair and relaxing your shoulders - also to help with breathlessness.
How many cases are there?
As of 31 December 2024, there were an average of 1,184 beds occupied by patients with COVID.
What are the most common RSV symptoms?
Most people only get cold-like symptoms, such as a runny or blocked nose, a cough, sneezing, tiredness or a high temperature. Babies with RSV may also be irritable and feed less than usual.
Am I eligible for a jab?
The RSV vaccine helps reduce the risk of the virus causing serious problems such as pneumonia and bronchiolitis. It is recommended if you're pregnant from 28 weeks – to help protect the baby for the first few months after they're born – or if you're aged 75 to 79.
How many cases are there?
There was an average of 74 children with RSV in hospital every day last week, up almost half on 50 for the same period in 2023.
What are the most common norovirus symptoms?
The main symptoms of norovirus, which can start suddenly, are feeling sick, diarrhoea and being sick. You may also have a high temperature, a headache and aching arms and legs.
Am I eligible for a jab?
There is no vaccine available, although vaccine trials have started in the UK. The NHS says the "most important thing is to rest and have lots of fluids to avoid dehydration. You will usually start to feel better in two to three days".
How many cases are there?
There were an average of 723 patients with norovirus in hospital in the week ending 22 December.
Read more
Britain needs a ‘vaccine taskforce’ to prepare for the next pandemic, Lords warn (The Independent)
Most teenagers with long Covid ‘will recover’ – study (PA Media)
How many people claim sickness benefits? (Yahoo News UK)
