As autumn and winter approach, Covid and flu cases are climbing across the UK, making it harder to tell which virus you might have caught. Hospital admissions for Covid rose to 1.2 per 100,000 people in the week to September 24, up from 0.81 per 100,000 the previous week, according to the latest figures. While this is an almost 50% increase, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) says this is an anticipated level for this time of year.
Typical Covid symptoms
Typical Covid symptoms include a high temperature, a persistent new cough, and a loss or change to your sense of taste or smell. Those with Covid may also experience fatigue, breathlessness, a sore throat, a runny nose, vomiting, nausea, diarrhoea, headaches, body aches, and a loss of appetite.
Most people recover within a few weeks, though for some it may take considerably longer. For certain individuals, however, the illness can prove more severe, with symptoms persisting for an extended period.
Flu cases and symptoms
The UKHSA has also reported a slight rise in flu cases, though these remain at a "baseline" level for this time of year. Of those tested via a GP swab, 10.7% tested positive for flu, up from 8.3% the previous week.
Flu symptoms tend to appear very suddenly and can include a sudden high temperature, a dry cough, headaches, body aches, a sore throat, fatigue, difficulty sleeping, and loss of appetite. Symptoms are broadly similar in children, though they may also experience earache, sore eyes, swollen glands and low energy levels.
Flu vaccine eligibility
The vast majority of those who contract flu will recover within several days to under a fortnight, although some may subsequently develop complications such as pneumonia, which can in certain instances prove fatal. The flu jab offers protection against the virus and is provided on the NHS each autumn and winter to those most vulnerable to serious illness.
Most eligible people can get the flu vaccine from October 1, 2026. Some people, including anyone who is pregnant, can get vaccinated from September 1, 2026.
You can get the free NHS flu vaccine if you are pregnant; are the main carer for an older or disabled person, or receive a carer's allowance; are aged 18 to 64 and have certain long-term health conditions; are aged 65 or over (including those who will be 65 by March 31, 2027); live in a care home; live with someone who has a weakened immune system; or are experiencing homelessness or staying in a homeless hostel or night shelter. Children aged two to three years, school-aged children (Reception to Year 11) and children with certain long-term health conditions are also eligible.
Common cold symptoms
Colds generally resolve themselves within one to two weeks. Symptoms emerge gradually over two to three days, with the most frequent being a runny nose, sore throat, cough, sneezing, and general fatigue and tiredness.
