Overview

• UKHSA surveillance shows flu positivity rising from 1.9% to 3.3% and Covid positivity in hospital settings increasing from 11.7% to 12.9%, with emergency department attendances for flu-like illness also up.
• Stratus (XFG and XFG.3) and Nimbus (NB.1.8.1) are now common Covid lineages, with doctors noting hoarseness and fatigue for Stratus and a severe sore throat plus digestive symptoms for Nimbus, without clear signs of increased severity.
• Doctors say symptom overlap with colds and flu makes clinical assessment unreliable, and the only certain way to distinguish Covid is to take a test.
• Free NHS Covid tests are no longer routinely available, but lateral flow and PCR tests can be purchased privately.
• Vaccination remains the key protection, with flu jabs and targeted Covid boosters offered to eligible groups including older adults, pregnant women, young children, school-age children, and people with certain health conditions; health guidance advises urgent care for breathing difficulties.