Stay Ahead of Rising Respiratory Illnesses in the UK

As the colder months set in, the UK is seeing a sharp rise in respiratory illnesses such as flu, RSV, and COVID-19. Demand on the NHS is growing, with hospitals under pressure from increasing admissions. In late December 2024, England had more than 5,000patients in hospital every day with flu, compared to just over 1,000 at the start of the month, and more than 200 of those patients required critical care. In Scotland, admissions have fluctuated rapidly, falling from around 1,596 in one week to 1,021 the next, showing just how unpredictable the situation can be. Influenza hospital admission rates across England have reached what surveillance systems classify as medium impact, with 7.13 admissions per 100,000 population in week four of 2025. The oldest age groups remain most vulnerable, with people aged over 85 experiencing rates as high as 34.9 per 100,000. Intensive care admissions, while smaller in number, are still significant, with more than one hundred people requiring ICU or HDU support in a single week.

COVID-19 continues to circulate at the same time, adding further strain. Recent UK Health Security Agency data reports nearly 2,000 new weekly cases, a 14% increase compared to the previous week, and 78 associated deaths in a seven-day period. Although numbers are not at pandemic levels, the combined pressure of flu, RSV, and COVID-19 is creating a difficult winter season for health services and communities alike.

These figures highlight the importance of taking simple but effective steps to stay healthy. Vaccinations against flu and COVID-19 remain the most powerful defence against severe illness, and those who are eligible are strongly encouraged to get protected. Everyday actions such as good hand hygiene, wearing a mask in busy indoor spaces, and keeping rooms well ventilated continue to reduce the risk of spread. At home, people are encouraged to pay close attention to their symptoms, rest, stay hydrated, and use basic monitoring tools such as a thermometer or pulse oximeter if they have them available. Keeping track of health through diaries or digital apps such as Patient-on-the-Go can provide a clearer picture of changes and help in sharing accurate information with healthcare providers.

Knowing when to seek medical help is also essential. While most cases can be managed at home, breathing difficulties, chest pain, confusion, or persistently low oxygen levels are warning signs that should never be ignored. Acting early can prevent complications and save lives, particularly for those with underlying health conditions.

This winter, respiratory illnesses will continue to circulate widely across the UK, but patients can't take control by staying alert, prepared, and proactive. The data shows the scale of the challenge, but it also underlines the difference that individual action can make. At Patient-on-the-Go, we believe in empowering people with the knowledge and tools they need to take ownership of their health. By recognizing symptoms early, preventing infection where possible, and seeking help at the right time, we can work together to protect ourselves, support the NHS, and keep our communities safer.

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