Now it’s a QUADRUPLEDEMIC: Experts warn Britain of FOUR highly contagious winter bugs sweeping the country
Britons were today told to brace for a ‘quadruplemia’ amid a rise in norovirus cases.
Vomit virus rates have risen by more than 40 percent in just two weeks, increasing pressure on the health care system before the season is even in full swing.
Covid, RSV and flu will also bite in the coming weeks despite currently circulating at low levels, health experts predict.
Carolina Goncalves, chief pharmacist for Pharmacysaid: ‘The risk of ‘quadruple disease’ is very real for some individuals.
‘Simultaneous outbreaks of Covid, influenza, RSV and norovirus during the colder months can cause cascading illnesses and may be exacerbated by seasonal factors, increased indoor gatherings and weak immune systems in some individuals.’
Norovirus can show similar symptoms to the Covid-19 virus, with both viruses causing chills, fever and headache.
Yet it also causes explosive vomiting and diarrhea.
The stomach flu usually goes away on its own within two to three days.
Norovirus can resemble the symptoms of Covid, with both viruses causing chills, fever and headache
Figures from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) show that cases of the winter virus have risen by 41 percent in just a fortnight.
But patients, who may also experience sore arms and legs, are advised to stay home until 48 hours after their symptoms have cleared.
Rest and drinking plenty of fluids are recommended by health chiefs.
However, severe cases may require some people to be hospitalized, while the elderly and children are most at risk.
Figures released today by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) show that cases of the winter virus have risen by 41 percent in just a fortnight.
This is double the five-year average for the same two weeks.
Since the start of the 2024/2025 season, the number of reported norovirus outbreaks in hospitals was also 37 percent higher than the five-year average.
The bug is spread through close contact with someone who is infected; touching surfaces or objects that have the virus on them, and then touching the mouth; as well as eating food that has been handled by someone with norovirus.
Washing hands regularly is the best way to prevent the spread.
The XEC strain comes after health experts warned of the FLiRT variant sweeping the UK
In addition to the norovirus, British people also get sick from other seasonal viruses
Gauri Godbole, deputy director of gastrointestinal infections at the UKHSA, said: ‘We are entering the winter season with higher than normal norovirus levels, and we expect norovirus to spread more in the coming weeks.
‘Recently we have seen the greatest increase in cases in adults, especially those aged 65 and over.
‘To help reduce the spread of norovirus, you can take steps to prevent passing on the infection.
‘If you have diarrhea and vomiting, do not return to work, school or nursery until 48 hours after your symptoms have disappeared and do not prepare food for others during that time.
‘If you are feeling unwell, do not visit people in hospitals and care homes to avoid passing on the infection in these settings.’
In addition to the norovirus, British people also get sick from other seasonal viruses.
UKHSA data shows that cases of RSV, a common virus that can cause bronchiolitis in babies and children under the age of two, have risen to 5.2 per cent in the past week.
Hospital admissions for the disease rose to 1.26 per 100,000, up from 0.88.
Flu rates also rose to 2.7 percent, while Covid ‘remained stable’.
The number of Covid hospital admissions fell to 3.91 per 100,000, compared to 4.4 in the previous week.
Dr. Jamie Lopez Bernal, consultant epidemiologist at UKHSA, said: ‘The top three respiratory infections remain at low levels, although we expect Covid and flu to increase in the coming weeks, with RSV already increasing, especially among those aged 5 and under.
‘Vaccinations are being offered against flu, Covid and RSV and we urge those in eligible groups who have yet to be booked to do so quickly, ahead of the peak season, to ensure they are protected on their way to the winter months.
‘Our current surveillance shows that around 13 per cent of sequenced Covid cases are of the XEC lineage, but current information does not suggest we should be more concerned about this variant.’
