The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has unveiled its latest figures as winter illnesses continue to spread across England.

In an announcement on X, formerly known as Twitter, the agency reported an uptick in flu activity this week following a recent decrease. The report highlighted an increase in outbreaks within schools and care homes compared to the previous week.

The UKHSA also noted a rise in Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) cases, indicating that the virus is now circulating at low to medium levels according to various indicators.

On the Covid-19 front, the virus is still present, but the number of infections has decreased, with Covid currently circulating at baseline levels.

The data showed that the percentage of positive flu tests increased from 10.7% to 11.6% over the past week, while hospital admissions due to flu rose from 3.39 per 100,000 people to 4.56 per 100,000.

Conversely, Covid-19 hospital admissions fell from 1.13 per 100,000 people to 0.85 per 100,000, and positive Covid test rates dropped from 3.3% to 2.2%.

RSV hospital admissions climbed from 1.77 to 2.54 per 100,000 people, although the UKHSA noted technical difficulties meant positive test data has not been refreshed for the week ending November 23.

Whilst all three illnesses can frequently be managed at home, some individuals who contract these conditions may experience more serious symptoms.

Here are the warning signs to watch for, and when to seek medical assistance.

Flu

The NHS has provided guidance on identifying flu symptoms, which can emerge very rapidly and include a sudden high temperature, body aches, a dry cough, a sore throat, feeling tired or exhausted, a headache, loss of appetite, diarrhoea or tummy pain, difficulty sleeping, and feeling sick and being sick are all symptoms of the flu.

Children with flu may also experience ear pain and seem less active.

To treat flu, it’s advised to stay warm, get plenty of sleep and rest, and take paracetamol or ibuprofen to lower your temperature and help with aches and pains.

If your child is in discomfort or distress, you can give them paracetamol or ibuprofen, but ensure to check the packaging or leaflet to confirm the medicine is suitable. If unsure, consult a pharmacist or GP.

Both children and adults suffering from flu should drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration. (Your pee should be clear or almost clear).

You should request an urgent GP appointment or seek help from NHS 111 if you or your child has flu symptoms and you:

• are concerned about your baby’s or child’s symptoms
• are aged 65 or over
• are pregnant
• have a long-term medical condition – such as diabetes or a condition affecting your heart, lungs, kidneys, brain or nerves
• have a weakened immune system – perhaps due to chemotherapy or HIV
• or if symptoms do not improve after 7 days

In case of sudden chest pain, difficulty breathing, or coughing up a significant amount of blood, call 999 or go to A&E immediately.

Covid

The latest NHS Covid symptoms list includes a high temperature, a new continuous cough, a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste, shortness of breath, feeling tired or exhausted, an aching body, a headache, a sore throat, a blocked or runny nose, loss of appetite, diarrhoea, or feeling sick.

If you feel too unwell to go to school or work, or you have a high temperature, it’s advised that you stay at home and avoid contact with others.

Just like with the flu, try to get plenty of rest, drink lots of water, and take paracetamol or ibuprofen if you’re uncomfortable. A teaspoon of honey may help soothe a cough, but remember never to give honey to babies under one year old.

You can also try slow breathing exercises, inhaling through your nose and exhaling through your mouth. If you’re experiencing breathlessness, try turning down the heating or opening a window, and sitting upright in a chair can also help.

If you’re worried about your symptoms or those of a child, or unsure what to do, seek an urgent GP appointment or get help from NHS 111.

This is particularly important if symptoms are worsening, or if there are other signs of illness such as a rash, loss of appetite, or feeling weak.

You should also call 111 or see a GP if you or a child have a high temperature that lasts 5 days or more and does not come down with paracetamol, if babies under 3 months old have a temperature of 38C or higher, or children aged 3 to 6 months have a temperature of 39C or higher.

Those at increased risk of getting ill from COVID-19, such as pregnant women, those aged 60 or over, or individuals with a weakened immune system, should be particularly vigilant.

In case of severe symptoms, call 999 or go to A&E if:

• You or a child seem very unwell, are getting worse, or if you think there’s something seriously wrong – especially as children and babies can deteriorate quickly
• You experience sudden chest pain, extreme breathlessness, start coughing up blood, collapse, faint, or have a seizure or fit for the first time
• There is a rash that does not fade when you roll a glass over it, similar to meningitis

RSV

RSV typically presents with cold-like symptoms, such as a runny or blocked nose, coughing, sneezing, fatigue, and a high temperature – signs of which are your back or chest feeling hotter than usual, sweating and shivering (chills).

Babies with RSV may also be irritable and eat less than usual.

If RSV develops into a more serious infection such as pneumonia or bronchiolitis, it may also cause a worsening cough, shortness of breath, rapid breathing or long gaps between breaths, difficulty feeding (in babies) or loss of appetite, noisy breathing (wheezing), and confusion (in older adults).

Cold-like symptoms are very common in babies and children. They’re not usually indicative of anything serious and should improve within a few days – but seek medical help if you’re concerned your child is seriously ill.

Seek an urgent GP appointment or get assistance from NHS 111 if:

• your child’s condition is deteriorating
• your child is eating or drinking a lot less than usual
• your child has had a dry nappy for 12 hours or more, or shows other signs of dehydration
• your baby feels hotter than usual when you touch their back or chest, feels sweaty or is shivering
• your baby is under 3 months old and has a temperature of 38C, or is older than 3 months and has a temperature of 39C or higher
• you or a child aged 5 years or older has a temperature below 36C
• your child is extremely tired or irritable
• you develop cold symptoms and have a long-term medical condition (such as a heart or lung condition) or a weakened immune system (for example, due to chemotherapy)
• you’re experiencing difficulty breathing – you may be shorter of breath than usual

Dial 999 if:

• your child is struggling to breathe – you may notice grunting noises, long pauses in their breathing or their tummy sucking under their ribs.
• you’re having severe difficulty breathing – you’re gasping, choking or unable to speak.
• you or your child is limp and will not wake up or stay awake.
• you or your child’s lips or skin are turning very pale, blue or grey – on brown or black skin, this may be easier to see on the palms of the hands.
• your child is under 5 years old and has a temperature below 36C