The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued its latest update on respiratory viruses, revealing that levels of flu, Covid and RSV are all "relatively stable." However, one virus is spreading more widely than others and is the most likely cause of current illnesses across the UK.
Rhinovirus, one of the viruses responsible for the common cold, is currently circulating more widely than the other winter viruses, according to UKHSA officials.
What UKHSA Says About Current Virus Levels
Ruth McCabe, principal epidemiologist at UKHSA, said levels of flu remain low, while Covid positivity appears to be falling slightly. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is also still circulating at baseline levels.
Speaking in a video shared on X, formerly Twitter, on Friday (October 30), she said: "Things are looking relatively stable. Flu remains at low levels. RSV is still at baseline levels and Covid positivity appears to be decreasing slightly."
"Right now, rhinovirus, which is one of the viruses which causes the common cold, is circulating more widely than the other winter viruses. So if you're feeling unwell, chances are it's a cold," she added.
McCabe also noted that viruses are unpredictable and can change quickly, with flu levels having been higher at this point last year and flu peaking any time from November to March.
Latest Data on Flu, Covid and RSV
The latest UKHSA data, from October 19 to October 25, showed influenza activity was stable and remained at low levels. Covid-19 activity decreased over the same period, while RSV activity increased slightly but remained at baseline levels.
Winter viruses can cause similar symptoms, but there are some differences which may help people work out what is making them unwell.
Common cold symptoms usually develop gradually over two to three days and can include a blocked or runny nose, sneezing, a sore throat, hoarse voice, cough and feeling tired or generally unwell, the UKHSA says. Some people may also experience a high temperature, aching muscles, a loss of taste or smell, and pressure in their ears or face. Unlike flu, a cold will not usually cause a fever or body aches, and symptoms tend to develop more gradually.
Differences Between Cold, Flu and Covid Symptoms
Flu, also known as influenza, is generally much worse than an ordinary cold, with symptoms developing very quickly. Signs can include a sudden high temperature, aching muscles, headache, tiredness and exhaustion, a dry cough, sore throat and difficulty sleeping. The UKHSA warns flu can cause serious illness, particularly in older people, young children, those with weakened immune systems and people with certain long-term health conditions.
Covid symptoms can include a fever or chills, a continuous cough, shortness of breath, tiredness, body aches, headache, sore throat and a blocked nose. Some people may also experience a loss of appetite, nausea, diarrhoea or changes to their sense of taste or smell. A hoarse voice and particularly painful sore throat, sometimes described as 'razor-blade throat', have also been reported with more recent variants.
Who Should Get Vaccinated
The UKHSA is urging those eligible for a flu vaccine to come forward now, rather than waiting for cases to increase. Those eligible for a free NHS flu vaccine include everyone aged 65 and over, people aged between six months and 65 with certain long-term health conditions, people living with someone who is immunocompromised, frontline health and social care workers, all pregnant women, children aged two and three, and school-aged children from reception to Year 11, who are offered a nasal spray vaccine through school immunisation teams.
Covid vaccinations are also available for eligible groups, including people aged 75 and over, those living in care homes for older adults and people aged six months and over who are immunosuppressed. An RSV vaccine is offered to pregnant women to help protect their babies after birth, as well as people aged 75 to 79.
