The UK could be hit by a ‘quin-demic’ of winter viruses—Covid, flu, RSV, rhinovirus and norovirus—putting ‘extreme’ pressure on the NHS, experts warn.
Two new Covid variants, Stratus and Nimbus, are already fuelling a surge in infections, with cases doubling since August.
Hospital admissions are also rising, with the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) reporting Covid test positivity increasing from 7.6 to 8.4 per cent in a single week, while hospitalisations jumped from 2.0 to 2.7 per 100,000 people.
Flu is also climbing earlier than expected, the Daily Mail can now confirm.
In children aged five to 14, positive flu tests more than doubled in just a week—from 1.9 to 4.1 per 100,000—as pupils returned to school. RSV, rhinovirus and norovirus are also in circulation, with rhinovirus cases almost doubling since late summer.
This convergence has led experts to warn of a ‘quin-demic’ this winter.
Last year the UK and countries worldwide experienced a similar ‘perfect storm’ of infections, with record levels of flu and RSV pushing hospitals to breaking point and forcing the cancellation of thousands of operations.
Doctors fear a repeat this year could worsen delays in treatment and pile further strain on an NHS already stretched by record waiting lists.
A leading virologist has warned a surge in Covid and other respiratory illnesses could put immense pressure on the NHS, leading to longer wait times and cancelled surgeries
Professor Lawrence Young, a virologist at Warwick University, told the Daily Mail: ‘The rise in cases and hospitalisations is worrying so early in the autumn.
‘If flu takes off soon, and people don’t come forward for their Covid or flu jabs, then we could be in some trouble.
‘Flu season was particularly bad in Australia this year, which means the UK’s will be too.
‘A combination of flu and Covid could put more pressure on already stretched NHS services.
‘When that happens, it disrupts routine care and causes delays for people on waiting lists. Something like this could put extremely severe burdens on the service.’
Experts say the return to school after the summer holidays is likely to be driving flu transmission.
Symptoms include fever, muscle aches, fatigue, cough, headaches, nausea and loss of appetite. In children, ear pain and unusual tiredness are also common.
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), a leading cause of chest infections in young children, is also rising.
UKHSA data shows cases increased from 0.27 to 0.44 per 100,000 in mid-September.
For most people RSV is no worse than a heavy cold, but it can be dangerous for babies under six months, the over-75s, smokers and people with lung or heart problems.
In severe cases it can lead to bronchiolitis or pneumonia.
Warning signs include rapid breathing, poor feeding in babies, wheezing and shortness of breath.
Rhinovirus, the most common cause of the everyday cold, is also spreading rapidly. Cases rose from 8.5 to 14.8 per 100,000 between August and September.
While most people recover quickly, the virus can trigger asthma attacks or more serious illness in vulnerable groups.
Norovirus cases remain low for now, but after last winter’s surge left hospital wards closed and thousands off work, experts fear it could flare again.
The highly contagious stomach bug causes sudden vomiting, watery diarrhoea and cramps.
In healthy people it usually passes in a couple of days, but in the elderly and frail it can lead to serious dehydration.
Doctors say the challenge this winter will be distinguishing between these illnesses, which often share symptoms.
The NHS advises seeking medical help if symptoms worsen, drag on beyond 10 days, or are accompanied by chest pain, severe breathlessness, confusion or, in children, difficulty feeding.
The new Covid variants, Stratus and Nimbus, are thought to be no more deadly than earlier strains but may spread more easily due to genetic changes.
Symptoms remain largely the same—cough, runny nose, headache—but patients also report a hoarse voice, razor-blade sore throat and, in the case of Stratus, persistent dry cough, fever and fatigue.
Health chiefs have launched the winter vaccination campaign, urging millions to come forward for flu and Covid jabs.
Over-75s, care home residents, pregnant women and those with weakened immune systems are eligible for the booster.
Children are also being offered nasal spray flu vaccines, with toddlers for the first time able to get them at community pharmacies. Some high street chemists are offering private Covid jabs for up to £99.
Professor Young said: ‘The risk is that without high uptake, we will see waves of both Covid and flu at the same time. That’s when the NHS comes under immense strain, operations are cancelled and waiting lists grow even longer.’
NHS leaders have already warned that this winter could be one of the most challenging in recent memory, with record waiting lists, staff shortages and strike action still a possibility.
Professor Young added: ‘The message is clear: if you’re offered a flu, RSV or Covid jab, take it. And if you’re unwell, don’t shrug it off.
‘Stay home, rest, and avoid passing it on. These small steps can make the difference between a service coping, and a service in crisis.’
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