Eight viruses circulating and making people ill in England now

England is experiencing a brief temperature surge this week, with forecasters predicting highs of 18C in certain areas on Wednesday. Following weeks of rain and bitter cold — conditions in which unpleasant viruses thrive as people huddle indoors, accelerating the spread of illness — the weather has offered some respite.

Yet despite the improvement in conditions, a number of nasty bugs continue to sweep across England. The latest data from the UK Health Security Agency reveals that approximately eight viruses are currently making people unwell.

Whilst cases of Covid-19 and influenza have dipped slightly, Norovirus levels have rocketed to their highest point yet this winter.

According to the NHS, norovirus cases have « doubled » in just one month. NHS England confirmed last week that norovirus cases in hospitals have climbed to their « highest level » this winter.

On average, 1,012 patients per day were hospitalised with norovirus. Figures released on February 19 revealed that the daily average number of patients in hospital with norovirus surpassed 1,000 for the first time this winter, reaching 1,012, reports <a href= »https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/health/eight-viruses-making-people-ill-36779425″ rel= »Follow » target= »_self »>the Mirror</a>.

The figure represents a rise of nearly nine per cent (8.9 per cent) in cases when compared with the preceding week (929). Meanwhile, the average daily number of norovirus patients in hospitals increased by more than 2.5 times between the beginning and end of January (from 361 to 950).

NHS England stated the nation was experiencing a « second surge » as cases climbed again in February following a brief period of stability at the month’s outset.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is reported to be at ‘medium’ levels whilst human metapneumovirus is increasing. Below is an overview of infection levels for major winter viruses presently circulating in England and the symptoms you should be aware of:.

Norovirus.

There were an average of 1,012 patients in hospital with norovirus daily. Figures released on February 19 revealed the average number of patients in hospital with norovirus each day this week climbed above 1,000 for the first time this winter (1,012).

Norovirus, also known as the winter vomiting bug, is a stomach infection that triggers vomiting and diarrhoea. It can be extremely unpleasant, but typically clears up within approximately 2 days, according to the NHS.

Norovirus triggers sudden, severe vomiting and watery diarrhoea, usually beginning 12–48 hours following exposure and persisting for 1–3 days. Additional frequent symptoms include stomach cramps, nausea, fever, headache, and muscle aches.

It is extremely contagious, frequently spreading in confined settings, and necessitates maintaining proper hydration. It is caused by a virus that spreads through faeces and can transmit to others very easily.

You can catch norovirus from:

• Close contact with someone with norovirus
• Touching surfaces or objects that have the virus on them, then touching your mouth
• Eating food that’s been prepared or handled by someone with norovirus
• Drinking unclean water or infected food

Covid-19.

Levels of Covid-19 have ‘stabilised’ according to the UK Health Security Agency. In the latest figures, 765 cases were detected in the week until 11 February.

39 deaths have been reported in the week to 6 February, with 514 patients admitted to hospital testing positive.

COVID-19 symptoms commonly include a high temperature, new continuous cough, loss of smell/taste, fatigue, aching body, headache, sore throat and nasal congestion. Symptoms are similar to colds/flu, with many recovering in a few weeks, though some may experience more serious, long-term illness.

If people have symptoms they are being told to stay home and avoid contact with other people. The NHS adds: « Avoid meeting people who are more likely to get seriously ill from infections, such as people with a weakened immune system, for 10 days after the day you took your test. »

Influenza.

Influenza activity decreased and is circulating at baseline levels, the UKHSA said. Latest figures show a positivity rate of 3.7 per cent in tests, with hospital admissions in the 7 days to 2 February as 1.3 per 100,000.

Emergency department (ED) attendances for influenza-like-illness decreased, the NHS reported. Flu symptoms come on very quickly and can include a sudden high temperature, an aching body, feeling tired or exhausted, a dry cough, a sore throat, headache, difficulty sleeping and stomach problems.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is amongst the prevalent viruses responsible for coughs and colds during winter months. RSV produces mild symptoms in the majority of people, but can prove serious for certain infants, elderly adults and individuals with chronic medical conditions.

Recent data indicates RSV is circulating in the UK at ‘medium’ levels. RSV symptoms usually begin like an ordinary cold—runny nose, coughing, sneezing, fever, and reduced appetite—emerging in stages 4–6 days following infection. Whilst most individuals recover within 1–2 weeks, it can trigger severe respiratory problems (bronchiolitis/pneumonia), including wheezing, accelerated breathing, and, in babies, irritability or extreme lethargy.

Adenovirus.

Adenovirus positivity held steady at 1.3% in the most recent figures, with the greatest positivity in those aged under 5 years at 7.7%. Adenoviruses are a collection of common, extremely infectious non-enveloped DNA viruses that generally cause mild respiratory infections (colds, sore throat, fever, bronchitis) or digestive problems (gastroenteritis).

Most individuals, particularly children, experience at least one infection before reaching age 10. They can also trigger conjunctivitis (pink eye).

Adenovirus infections generally produce mild, cold-like symptoms – including fever, sore throat, cough, and runny nose – which emerge between 2 days and 2 weeks following exposure. These highly contagious infections frequently affect children and can additionally cause conjunctivitis, diarrhoea, vomiting, ear infections, or bronchitis.

Symptoms typically clear up without intervention, though serious cases, especially in those with compromised immune systems, may necessitate medical care.

Human metapneumovirus (hMPV).

The UKHSA reported that hMPV positivity rose marginally to 3.5%, with the greatest positivity rate among under-5s at 5.2%. HMPV is a virus that generally produces cold-like symptoms.

Individuals may develop a cough or wheeze, experience a runny nose or suffer from a sore throat. The majority of cases are mild, however young children, over-65s and those with compromised immune systems face elevated risk of serious illness.

HMPV is widespread – the majority of people contract it before reaching 5 years old.

Parainfluenza.

Positivity climbed marginally to 3.4%, with the greatest positivity rate among under-5s at 7%. Human Parainfluenza Viruses (HPIVs) are prevalent respiratory viruses that generally trigger mild, cold-like symptoms.

HPIVs are linked with croup in young children. Certain individuals, including children and adults with compromised immune systems, may face increased likelihood of developing severe illness. Hand hygiene, avoiding touching your face, and maintaining distance from unwell people can help prevent infection.

Rhinovirus

The positivity rate held steady at 11.7%, with the highest level recorded amongst children under five years old at 26.8%. Rhinoviruses represent the most common cause of the common cold and frequently trigger asthma attacks.

The majority of rhinovirus infections produce either no symptoms or mild symptoms.

However, they can lead to serious illness, particularly if you have a compromised immune system, asthma, or another underlying health condition. Individuals who face heightened risk for severe infection include premature babies, those infected with multiple respiratory viruses simultaneously, immunocompromised individuals and children with one parent who has a hypersensitive immune system.

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