What winter bugs do I have? Know the signs and symptoms – UK Health Security Agency

Flu, RSV, COVID-19, and norovirus occur all year round, but they can spread simultaneously and reach high levels in the winter.

We also track other respiratory viruses that can peak in the fall and winter: rhinovirus, adenovirus, human metapneumovirus (hMPV), and parainfluenza.

There are vaccines available for flu, COVID-19 and RSV for a variety of vulnerable populations.

Below is a description of important information about these winter infections. Provides information on signs and symptoms and who may be eligible for vaccination.

R.S.V.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a major respiratory virus common during the winter months, generally from November to February, and can be spread through coughing and sneezing.

Symptoms include coughing, wheezing, difficulty breathing, fatigue, and fever.

Although symptoms are mild in many people, RSV can cause bronchiolitis in infants, which can make breathing and feeding difficult. You may notice your baby breathing rapidly, being noisy, anxious, or difficult to comfort. This amounts to approximately 20,000 annual hospitalizations for children under 1 year of age.

RSV can also be serious in older people, causing pneumonia and relapses of existing lung disease and other organ diseases. In the UK, around 9,000 people aged 75 and over are hospitalized each year.

The NHS vaccine has been introduced to protect pregnant women, their babies after birth and for people aged 75 to 79. It is not recommended for people over 80 because clinical trials included too few people of that age to be certain of protection.

Getting the vaccine during pregnancy reduces the risk of severe bronchiolitis by 70% during the first six months of a baby's life.

flu

The flu is a viral infection that affects the nose, throat, and lungs, mainly during the winter months. This is much more severe than the common cold, which usually causes a runny nose, sneezing, watery eyes, and throat irritation. Cold symptoms usually develop gradually, without causing the fever or body aches that come with the flu.

The flu can lead to serious illness, especially in children, resulting in more than 8,000 hospitalizations last winter. Older people, people with weakened immune systems, and people with long-term health problems are at higher risk. At least 18,000 people have died from the flu over the past two winters.

For those who take up the offer, the flu vaccine over the past few years has had a significant impact in reducing serious illness. That is, the number of hospitalized patients over the age of 65 decreased by 30%, and the number of patients between the ages of 2 and 17 decreased by 54%. years.

Many people are eligible to get the flu vaccine, including: Anyone 65 years of age or older, and anyone between 6 months and 65 years of age with certain medical conditions. Every pregnant woman must protect herself, her pregnancy, and her newborn. All children aged 2-3 years through their GP and school children (up to Year 11) are offered the nasal spray vaccine through their school immunization team. covid-19

For most people, COVID-19 is not as serious as it was at the beginning of the pandemic, but the virus is still causing serious illness, hospitalization and death, especially among people with weakened immune systems and certain long-term health problems. As an old man.

It is normal and expected for viruses to change genetically over time, and like previous strains, new COVID-19 variants can easily spread through droplets released when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks. The fall COVID-19 vaccine is your best defense against serious illness.

We have seen COVID-19 symptoms change over time. Many people today experience cold-like symptoms, but some also experience fever or chills, persistent cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, body aches, headache, sore throat, stuffy nose, loss of appetite, nausea, diarrhea, or physical changes. Sense of taste or smell.

People aged 65 years or older, living in aged care homes, or those at clinical risk for 6 months or more are eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

norovirus

Norovirus, also called 'winter vomiting bug', is a viral gastrointestinal bug that causes vomiting and diarrhea. It can be very unpleasant, but it usually goes away after about two days. This season we are currently seeing the highest number of norovirus cases since the reporting system began.

The main symptoms of norovirus are nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting. You may also have a high fever, headache, and pain in your limbs.

Symptoms begin suddenly, within 1 to 2 days after infection, and you can usually treat yourself or your child at home. The most important thing is to get rest and drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. You will usually start feeling better within two to three days.

Vulnerable groups, such as the very young, elderly or immunocompromised, are at higher risk of severe or long-term illness and may require treatment.

It is very important to stay away from school or work until you have not been sick or had diarrhea for at least 2 days. You should also avoid preparing food for others during this period. Because this is when it is most contagious. You should also not visit hospitals or nursing homes during this period.

Rhinovirus (also called common cold)

Rhinoviruses cause the symptoms we commonly know as colds. Cold symptoms appear gradually over 2 to 3 days.

Main symptoms include stuffy or runny nose, sneezing, sore throat, hoarseness, cough, feeling tired, and feeling unwell. You may also experience fever, muscle pain, loss of taste and smell, and pressure in your ears and face.

In young children, cold symptoms may last longer. You may also feel irritable, have trouble eating and sleeping, breathe through your mouth, and feel sick after coughing.

You can find more information about the differences between colds and flu via the NHS website.

Adenovirus, parainfluenza, and human metapneumovirus (hMPV)

These three viruses cause a wide range of cold-like symptoms.

Parainfluenza viruses are a common cause of respiratory infections in infants, young children, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems.

Adenoviruses and hMPV usually cause mild, cold-like illnesses in people of all ages. Although it can be found all year round, it can spread more easily in the winter.

tracking these diseases

Surveillance reports published weekly track these viruses, as well as the flu and COVID-19.

Data on norovirus can be found here.

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