Covid XEC strain, flu and RSV symptoms to watch out for as 'tripledemic' hits UK (2025)

Brits are being urged to brace themselves for a 'tripledemic' of Covid, flu, and Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). And people, especially those who are clinically more vulnerable, to get vaccinated against them.

Health experts are expecting an uptick in cases of all three viruses this winter. According to data from UKHSA, the previous two winters witnessed sky-high figures, with at least 18,000 flu-related deaths and more than 19,500 covid-19 fatalities.

December and January are peak flu months, and starting adult vaccinations by October is key to protecting vulnerable groups when indoor gatherings fuel virus transmission.

READ MORE: Health bosses issue update on XEC Covid variant amid warning of winter 'tripledemic'

There are 2.8 million eligible for the Covid jab and 4.2 million due flu shots, and the NHS is battling to fend off the 'tripledemic' threat this winter. Everyone entitled can now book flu and Covid shots as officials push to relieve NHS pressure before freezing temperatures take hold, reports Surrey Live.

Speaking on the winter vaccination programme's significance, Dr Linda Charles-Ozuzu, Regional Director of Commissioning for NHS England, remarked: "The winter vaccination programme offers vital protection to people who need it most. It saves lives, but also it helps the NHS by reducing hospital admissions and easing pressure on services that are already incredibly busy.

"People with certain long-term health conditions, pregnant women, young infants and older people are among those eligible for some or all of these life-saving vaccines. If invited, please don't delay – get the vaccines. And if you're unsure if you're eligible or have any concerns, please speak with your GP surgery or local pharmacist."

Influenza (flu), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and covid-19 share similar symptoms. These can include fever, cough, and difficulty breathing.

Due to these overlapping symptoms, it can be challenging to tell these respiratory viral infections apart. To help identify a possible case, healthcare providers might conduct a diagnostic test.

What causes the flu and its symptoms:

The flu is caused by influenza viruses, which are spread through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. Flu usually improves without treatment, but it can lead to serious illness in some individuals.

Flu symptoms come on very quickly and can include:

The symptoms are similar for children, but they can also get ear pain and appear less active. If you have flu, there are some things you can do to help get better more quickly, including rest and sleep, keeping warm and taking paracetamol or ibuprofen to lower your temperature and ease aches and pains. Also drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration.

Covid XEC strain, flu and RSV symptoms to watch out for as 'tripledemic' hits UK (2)

What causes the RSV and its symptoms:

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common cause of coughs and colds, spread through contact with an infected person's respiratory droplets or touching contaminated surfaces. The virus enters the body via the eyes, nose or mouth and can be passed on through direct contact, such as handshakes.

While most RSV infections clear up by themselves, they can sometimes pose serious risks for babies and the elderly. Symptoms are usually similar to those of a common cold, but babies with RSV may also become irritable and eat less than usual.

Most people only get cold-like symptoms, such as:

Babies with RSV may also be irritable and feed less than usual. If RSV leads to a more serious infection (such as pneumonia or bronchiolitis) it may also cause:

If RSV leads to a more severe infection like pneumonia or bronchiolitis, it may also cause other symptoms. There's no specific treatment for RSV; it typically improves on its own in one to two weeks, and home care usually suffices. Drinking plenty of fluids, using saline nose drops and taking painkillers can help alleviate symptoms.

What causes the covid and its symptoms:

On the other hand, Covid-19 is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2). This virus spreads through tiny respiratory droplets released into the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, talks, sings, or even breathes near you.

Covid-19 symptoms can include:

Find out about the symptoms you need to watch out for and get health advice with our free health newsletter from the Mirror

Covid XEC is the latest strain of coronavirus. It is said to have the same familiar symptoms as other covid variants, including:

With England and Wales experiencing a surge in whooping cough, health bosses have sent out reminder notices about the illness, whose symptoms mimic those of colds and flu. While most people get better within weeks, it takes longer for some and can be graver.

Health advice suggests staying at home and avoiding others if you've got symptoms and either feel too unwell for daily tasks or are running a high temperature. Once better, normal activities can resume.

Who is eligible for free jabs?

The NHS says: "Flu vaccines are safe and effective. They're offered on the NHS every year in autumn or early winter to help protect people at risk of flu and its complications."

NHS guidelines outline that free flu jabs are available to over-65s, long-term care residents, and clinical risk groups, including essential social care staff and those caring for the elderly or disabled. Pregnant women and children from six months to 18 years with clinical risks are also encouraged to get vaccinated.

Those eligible can arrange their free covid and flu shots via the NHS page, the NHS App, or ringing up 119 at no cost. Plus, the flu vaccine can be administered at local chemists, and walk-ins for the covid jab are an option.

Covid XEC strain, flu and RSV symptoms to watch out for as 'tripledemic' hits UK (2025)
Top Articles
Latest Posts
Recommended Articles
Article information

Author: Velia Krajcik

Last Updated:

Views: 5638

Rating: 4.3 / 5 (54 voted)

Reviews: 85% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Velia Krajcik

Birthday: 1996-07-27

Address: 520 Balistreri Mount, South Armand, OR 60528

Phone: +466880739437

Job: Future Retail Associate

Hobby: Polo, Scouting, Worldbuilding, Cosplaying, Photography, Rowing, Nordic skating

Introduction: My name is Velia Krajcik, I am a handsome, clean, lucky, gleaming, magnificent, proud, glorious person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.