The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and NHS have warned of rising COVID-19 and flu cases across Britain, with hospital admissions climbing as winter approaches. Official guidance on face coverings has been issued for those who need to go out while experiencing symptoms.
COVID cases and hospital admissions rise
During the week ending September 30, UKHSA figures showed that COVID cases increased by 34.6% (a rise of 477), deaths climbed by 47.4% (a rise of nine) and hospital admissions went up by 33.5% (a rise of 293).
The most prevalent virus currently is a variant of XFG, nicknamed 'American Covid'. It earned this moniker after becoming the dominant variant in North America, and has now arrived in the UK, causing a surge in hospital admissions.
Early flu season warning
The NHS has cautioned that the UK might experience an early winter flu season. Based on initial winter virus surveillance figures, flu activity during September has been elevated compared to the same timeframe across the previous four winters. While levels remain at baseline, the upward trajectory points towards an early flu season, with the increase predominantly fuelled by cases among those aged between 18 and 24.
NHS national medical director Professor Frankie Swords said: "From an NHS perspective, it is very early in the season, but the number of admissions for flu are the highest that I can remember seeing at this time of year, and it's coincided with just the start of the expected increase in Covid cases in our hospitals."
Vaccination and face covering guidance
Health authorities are encouraging those who qualify to receive vaccinations for both COVID and seasonal flu. The UKHSA stated that vaccines continue to be the strongest protection against serious illness and hospitalisation from flu and COVID.
Those who qualify for a vaccination will be approached by the NHS, including individuals aged 75 and above, those with compromised immune systems, and residents in elderly care homes. Those eligible for a free flu vaccine include pregnant women; all children aged two or three years on 31 August, 2026; primary school and secondary school-aged children, from reception to year 11; young people aged 17 and over attending a special educational needs (SEN) school who are also in a clinical risk group; and all children in clinical risk groups, from 6 months to less than 18 years.
The UKHSA advises that if you have symptoms of a respiratory infection, such as COVID-19, you should avoid contact with vulnerable people and stay at home if possible. Should staying at home not be an option, the UKHSA guidance is as follows:
- wear a well-fitting face covering made with multiple layers or a surgical face mask
- avoid crowded places such as public transport, large social gatherings, or anywhere that is enclosed or poorly ventilated
- take any exercise outdoors in places where you will not have close contact with other people
- cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze; wash your hands frequently with soap and water or use hand sanitiser after coughing, sneezing and blowing your nose and before you eat or handle food; avoid touching your face
