An unwelcome mix of Covid, flu, RSV and norovirus are beginning to surge as we head into the Christmas season. These common infections rear their heads annually which is thought to be due to people spending more time indoors where viruses can spread.
“We are currently seeing the rates of acute respiratory infections, influenza-like illnesses and Covid, all rise either in line with seasonal averages or just below,” Prof Kamila Hawthorne, the chairman of the Royal College of GPs tells the Telegraph.
The rate of hospital admittance for Covid remains stable at 1.85 admissions per 100,000 people in the UK, according to latest data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).
However, both flu and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), which causes coughs and colds, caused a spike in illnesses in the last week, UKHSA figures show. Hospitalisations doubled for flu and jumped by almost a fifth for RSV, compared to the previous week.
According to professor in medicine Paul Hunter, “many people infected with these viruses have no symptoms,” adding that “where symptoms do occur RSV, Covid and influenza often have very similar symptom profiles”.
Norovirus levels currently stand at more than double the average seen over the past five years as the winter vomiting bug continues to strike people down.
Covid
Symptoms of coronavirus have varied with each strain, however it famously can cause a change in taste or smell, with some reporting none at all. Many people now report only suffering from cold-like symptoms such as a fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath, tiredness, body aches, headache, sore throat, blocked nose, loss of appetite, nausea or diarrhoea.
Recovery for the virus can vary depending on the severity of the bout. Most people feel better within days or weeks, yet patients who have reported symptoms persisting for longer may be diagnosed with long Covid, the NHS says.
Flu
The flu shares many symptoms with both Covid and RSV which includes sudden fever, body aches, dry cough, tiredness, sore throat, headache, loss of appetite, stomach pain and nausea. However, flu can distinctively leave those infected feeling a lot worse, often not being able to get out of bed.
The recovery time can be a matter of days or weeks, however it can be serious and even fatal for individuals in certain groups such as older people, pregnant women and newborn babies.
RSV
The symptoms of RSV can include a cough, wheezing, shortness of breath, tiredness and fever, according to the UKHSA.
Most cases of the infection are not serious, clearing up completely within two to three weeks.
Norovirus
The winter vomiting bug has distinct symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach pain and cramping. A high temperature and aching limbs are also included.
Despite being unpleasant, this illness typically clears up quickly, with recovery taking two to three days.