Overview
- UKHSA confirms the RSV season has begun, with recent increases in positive tests and hospital admissions occurring later than in previous years.
- Surveillance shows RSV positivity at 4.0% (up from 2.8%) and hospital admissions rising to 1.79 per 100,000 in the week of November 10–16.
- Flu activity began unusually early this season; positivity dipped slightly to 11.1% from 11.7% and hospitalisations fell to 3.37 per 100,000, though officials expect further rises as colder weather drives indoor mixing.
- NHS services are expanding access to flu jabs from this weekend through pop-up clinics in shopping centres, high streets, football clubs and soft play areas.
- Public guidance includes taking up RSV, flu and COVID vaccines if eligible, minimising contact when symptomatic, handwashing and ventilation, considering a face mask when going out with symptoms, and following norovirus advice to stay off work or school for 48 hours after symptoms stop with bleach-based cleaning since alcohol gels do not kill norovirus.