Britain’s Health Crisis: Causes and Concerns
- * Rhinovirus (Common Cold): The most common illness currently, and on the rise.
- * The pandemic disrupted these traditional patterns, but they are returning to normal.
- * Flu uptick in the younger age group is a little earlier than expected, but still at a low level.
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Current Illness Trends:
* Rhinovirus (Common Cold): The most common illness currently, and on the rise.
* COVID-19: Still circulating, driven by new variants XFG (Stratus) and NB.1.8.1 (Nimbus). Most people have built up immunity,leading to milder infections.
* Flu: Showing signs of increasing, especially in the 15-25 age group.
* RSV: Expected to increase in the autumn, can be serious for young children.
Seasonal Patterns (Generally):
* Rhinovirus tends to appear first.
* RSV follows Rhinovirus.
* Flu typically arrives later (December/January).
* The pandemic disrupted these traditional patterns, but they are returning to normal.
Severity:
* Overall levels of illness are not particularly high.
* COVID-19 is above baseline.
* Flu uptick in the younger age group is a little earlier than expected, but still at a low level.
Symptoms (According to the NHS):
* Colds:
* Gradual onset
* Mostly affect nose and throat
* Early sign – pressure in your ears
* Chestier, mucus cough
* Flu:
* Sudden onset
* Feel wiped out
* Fever, muscle aches, exhaustion
* Need bed rest
* Dry cough
* COVID-19:
* Typical flu symptoms
* Loss of taste or smell
* Diarrhoea or tummy upset
Important Note: Many symptoms overlap between colds, flu, and COVID-19.