Health

UK health authorities develop new strategies as flu and respiratory viruses surge in early autumn

Friday, 24 October 2025 4:04AM UTC

With flu activity rising across the UK and concerns over a potential 'quad-demic', health officials stress vaccination, hygiene measures, and face coverings to protect vulnerable populations and ease winter pressures.

With flu cases rising across the UK, health authorities are urging the public to adopt precautionary measures, including wearing face coverings, to help limit the spread of respiratory illnesses. Recent data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) indicate that flu activity has risen above normal levels in certain areas, particularly affecting children and young adults. This increase has also led to a noticeable uptick in visits to general practitioners and emergency departments.

Dr Conall Watson, consultant epidemiologist at UKHSA, emphasised the importance of vaccination in these circumstances, stating that those eligible should book their flu vaccine appointments promptly. According to UKHSA figures, hospital admissions for flu have increased recently, reflecting the heightened circulation of the virus. Alongside flu, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is circulating at baseline levels, while Covid-19 cases have shown a slight decrease but remain at medium levels.

UKHSA is also reminding people to follow straightforward, effective steps to reduce transmission risks. These include regularly washing hands, using and disposing of tissues properly, ensuring good ventilation indoors, and staying at home if unwell. For those needing to leave the house despite symptoms such as high temperature, cough, or fatigue, it is advised to consider wearing a face covering as a precaution, particularly to protect vulnerable persons.

Health Minister Karin Smyth has reiterated the significance of vaccination, especially for children, in helping to protect both individuals and the National Health Service from increased winter pressures. She highlighted that flu vaccines are easily accessible through various healthcare providers nationwide and encouraged parents to vaccinate their children promptly.

Other experts warn about the overlap of several respiratory viruses this season, a situation described by some as a potential "quad-demic," involving flu, Covid-19, RSV, and norovirus circulating simultaneously. Getting vaccinated and observing good hygiene practices are recommended as key ways to mitigate the impact of these viruses.

The UKHSA's consistent message is to limit contact with others when symptomatic, with particular care advised towards protecting vulnerable individuals. In line with this, Professor Susan Hopkins, Chief Medical Adviser at UKHSA, has urged adults feeling unwell to stay home or wear face coverings if they must go out, a measure echoing guidance for children to remain at home if experiencing fever or illness symptoms.

Workplace safety guidance from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) similarly stresses the importance of staying home when ill and conducting risk assessments to determine when masks are necessary, especially in roles involving close contact with the public.

As flu and other respiratory viruses circulate during this early autumn period, these combined public health advisories underscore the role of vaccination, personal hygiene, and responsible behaviour in reducing illness spread and safeguarding the health system through the challenging winter months.

📌 Reference Map:

Paragraph 1 – ^[1] (Birmingham Mail), ^[5] (UKHSA Report)
Paragraph 2 – ^[1] (Birmingham Mail), ^[5] (UKHSA Report)
Paragraph 3 – ^[1] (Birmingham Mail), ^[2] (Express and Star), ^[7] (Shropshire Star)
Paragraph 4 – ^[1] (Birmingham Mail), ^[6] (Sky News)
Paragraph 5 – ^[1] (Birmingham Mail), ^[4] (Sky News)
Paragraph 6 – ^[3] (HSE), ^[4] (Sky News)

Source: Noah Wire Services

More on this

https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/health/wearing-mask-could-make-difference-32739279 - Please view link - unable to able to access data
https://www.expressandstar.com/news/2025/09/30/limit-your-contact-with-others-ukhsa-warning-as-covid-cases-rise-along-with-the-common-cold/ - The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has advised individuals with COVID-19 symptoms, such as a high temperature and cough, to limit contact with others, especially vulnerable individuals. If leaving the house is necessary, wearing a well-fitting face covering is recommended. Regular handwashing and proper disposal of tissues can further reduce the spread of respiratory illnesses. The UKHSA also emphasizes the importance of staying at home when unwell to prevent transmission. These measures aim to protect both individuals and the wider community during periods of increased illness.
https://www.hse.gov.uk/biosafety/diseases/pandflu.htm - The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) provides guidance on managing pandemic flu in the workplace. It emphasizes that individuals who are ill should stay at home to maintain a healthy workforce. In situations where workers come into close contact with the public, risk assessments should determine if mask-wearing is necessary. The guidance also highlights the importance of good personal hygiene, including regular handwashing and avoiding unnecessary hand-to-mouth or hand-to-eye contact, to prevent the spread of influenza viruses.
https://news.sky.com/story/ukhsa-warns-adults-to-stay-home-or-wear-face-covering-when-going-out-if-feeling-unwell-12778668 - Professor Susan Hopkins, Chief Medical Adviser at the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), has urged adults to stay at home when feeling unwell or to wear face coverings when going outside to minimize the spread of illness. This advice is part of the UKHSA's efforts to protect children and vulnerable individuals as they return to schools and universities after the Christmas break. The UKHSA also recommends that children with a fever or feeling unwell should stay home from school or nursery to help prevent illness transmission.
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/flu-and-covid-19-surveillance-report-published - The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has published the latest surveillance data on flu and COVID-19 up to week 52 of 2024. The report indicates that influenza activity increased across most indicators and was at high activity levels during this period. The UKHSA continues to monitor these trends and provides public health advice to mitigate the impact of these respiratory illnesses on the population.
https://news.sky.com/story/as-flu-cases-rise-in-the-uk-what-is-the-quad-demic-and-how-can-you-protect-yourself-13262850 - As flu cases rise in the UK, experts are discussing the potential impact of a 'quad-demic,' where flu, COVID-19, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and norovirus circulate simultaneously. Dr. Lloyd explains that getting vaccinated against one of these diseases can help protect individuals from others due to viral interference. The NHS advises regular handwashing and avoiding close contact with others if unwell to prevent the spread of these illnesses. If symptoms become more serious, it is advised to call 999 or go to A&E.
https://www.shropshirestar.com/news/2025/09/30/limit-your-contact-with-others-ukhsa-warning-as-covid-cases-rise-along-with-the-common-cold - The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has advised individuals with COVID-19 symptoms, such as a high temperature and cough, to limit contact with others, especially vulnerable individuals. If leaving the house is necessary, wearing a well-fitting face covering is recommended. Regular handwashing and proper disposal of tissues can further reduce the spread of respiratory illnesses. The UKHSA also emphasizes the importance of staying at home when unwell to prevent transmission. These measures aim to protect both individuals and the wider community during periods of increased illness.

Noah Fact Check Pro

The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may warrant further investigation.

Freshness check

Score: 8

Notes: The narrative is current, with flu cases rising in the UK as of October 2025. The earliest known publication date of similar content is 6 January 2025, reporting a festive spike in flu cases. ([healthbusinessuk.net](https://healthbusinessuk.net/news/06012025/ukhsa-data-shows-festive-spike-flu-cases?utm_source=openai)) The report includes updated data on flu activity and vaccination efforts, justifying a higher freshness score. However, the inclusion of older material may still warrant a flag. ([england.nhs.uk](https://www.england.nhs.uk/2025/10/huge-increase-in-flu-vaccination-as-cases-rise/?utm_source=openai))

Quotes check

Score: 9

Notes: Direct quotes from Dr Conall Watson, Dr Amanda Doyle, and Professor Susan Hopkins are consistent with their statements in other reputable sources. For instance, Dr Watson's emphasis on the importance of vaccination aligns with his comments in the UKHSA's weekly winter surveillance bulletin. ([gov.uk](https://www.gov.uk/government/news/ukhsa-weekly-winter-surveillance-bulletin?utm_source=openai)) No significant discrepancies in wording were found.

Source reliability

Score: 7

Notes: The narrative originates from the Birmingham Mail, a regional news outlet. While it references reputable organisations like the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), the primary source is a regional newspaper, which may have varying levels of reliability. The inclusion of direct quotes from recognised experts adds credibility.

Plausability check

Score: 8

Notes: The narrative's claims about rising flu cases and the importance of vaccination are consistent with recent data from the UKHSA. For example, the UKHSA's weekly winter surveillance bulletin reports increasing flu activity, particularly among children and young adults. ([gov.uk](https://www.gov.uk/government/news/ukhsa-weekly-winter-surveillance-bulletin?utm_source=openai)) The advice to wear face coverings aligns with public health recommendations. No significant inconsistencies or implausible claims were identified.

Overall assessment

Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS

Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH

Summary: The narrative is current and aligns with recent data from reputable sources, including the UKHSA. Direct quotes from recognised experts are consistent with their statements in other reputable sources. While the primary source is a regional news outlet, the inclusion of information from authoritative organisations and experts supports the narrative's credibility.

Public health
Flu outbreak
Respiratory viruses