The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has warned that cases of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are on the rise, while COVID-19 hospital admissions have increased over the past week. The update comes as the Government body issues its weekly report on winter respiratory viruses.
Throughout the winter months, immune systems naturally have to work harder due to a combination of factors including colder weather, a lack of Vitamin D, and more time spent indoors in close proximity with other people.
Weekly virus figures
Summarising the weekly report, the UKHSA said that flu (influenza) remained mainly the same and continues to circulate at baseline levels. COVID-19 activity showed mixed trends and is circulating at low levels, while RSV activity increased but remains circulating at baseline levels.
Between October 5 and 11, positive cases of RSV increased to 1.0% of tests compared with 0.4% in the previous week. The overall weekly hospital admission rate for RSV increased to 0.23 per 100,000 compared with 0.13 per 100,000 in the previous week.
In the same week, hospital admissions for COVID rose to 2.46 per 100,000 compared with 2.13 in the previous week. Other data from the UKHSA shows that in the week leading up to October 7, there was an increase of 253 (13.5%) cases of COVID.
Vaccination advice
The UKHSA says that vaccines remain the best defence against severe disease and hospitalisation from flu and COVID-19. Those who are eligible for a vaccination will be contacted by the NHS.
Current eligibility includes people aged 75 and over, those with weakened immune systems, and those living in care homes for the elderly. “Anyone who falls into these groups is strongly encouraged to take up the vaccine, as it provides protection against severe illness,” the UKHSA says.
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.
How to protect yourself
The UKHSA has urged those eligible to book an appointment through the NHS App, online, or by contacting their GP practice or a local pharmacy. For school-aged children, most vaccines are delivered in schools by local immunisation teams.
The Government health body has advised that if you have symptoms of a respiratory infection, such as COVID-19 or flu, you should avoid contact with vulnerable people and stay at home if possible.
If this isn't possible and you have to leave the house, the UKHSA urges people to wear a well-fitting face covering or surgical face mask, avoid crowded places, exercise outdoors, and 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.
