'Quadruple-demic' to hammer UK within days as four bugs start to circulate

A so-called "quadruple-demic" will strike the UK within WEEKS as a killer lung infection hits under-5s and diarrhoea bug soars 20 per cent in a week. On top of Covid and flu, the NHS is braced for a rise in RSV, as well as the winter vomiting bug.

According to data released by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), cases of RSV have risen to 7.1 per cent in the last fortnight, up from 5.2 per cent. “RSV is now circulating at higher levels, particularly amongst those aged 5-years-old and under," Dr Jamie Lopez Bernal, from the UKHSA said.

"While other respiratory illnesses remain at baseline levels, we expect to see this change in the next few weeks and we urge everyone eligible to get vaccinated against the three main winter threats," he added. Carolina Goncalves, superintendent pharmacist for Pharmica, previously said: "The risk of a 'quadruple-demic' is quite real for some individuals."

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"Concurrent outbreaks of Covid, flu, RSV and norovirus during the colder months can trigger back-to-back illness and may be exacerbated by seasonal factors, increased indoor gatherings and weak immune systems in some individuals," she told Mail Online.

“The usual increase we see in norovirus cases heading into the winter has started earlier compared to previous seasons," Amy Douglas, from the UKHSA said. “We’re seeing more cases of a particular strain of norovirus this year, but at present there is no indication it leads to more severe illness."

Jennifer Veltman, MD, chief of infectious diseases at Loma Linda University Health, said: “The Covid, flu, and RSV vaccinations help prevent hospitalization and death." She added: "While some people might experience slight side effects from vaccines, the minor side effects outweigh potentially deadly outcomes.”

“Each person has to decide their risk tolerance, especially if they plan to spend special time with their family or attend a large gathering,” Veltman says. “Wearing a mask the week prior can help keep you and those around you healthy as you prepare for holiday events.”