As the chill of winter sets in, fears are mounting over a potential ‘tripledemic’ surge in Covid -19, flu and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) cases. Health officials in Northern Ireland have reported increasing activity of flu and RSV alongside Covid, emphasising the importance of vaccination and understanding the distinct symptoms of each illness.
Recent figures from UKHSA show that over the past two winters, there have been at least 18,000 flu-related deaths and more than 19,500 deaths linked to Covid-19 nationwide. Earlier this month, it was confirmed that the highly transmissible new Covid XEC variant has been detected in NI.
The Public Health Agency suggests this latest strain, a combination of the KS. 1.1 and KP.
3.3 variants, is likely more transmissible due to its numerous mutations. The most prevalent variant currently is KP.3, believed to be highly contagious due to its multiple mutations and potentially set to become the dominant strain. It’s thought to account for around one in 10 UK virus cases, reports Belfast Live.
The PHA has consolidated influenza, RSV and Covid-19 epidemiology reporting into a new respiratory surveillance report, providing a comprehensive overview of these infections in NI, including care home outbreaks, hospital admissions and occupancy, and deaths.
The Public Health Agency (PHA) has reported in its latest respiratory surveillance report up to 30th October that flu and RSV activity is on the rise across most surveillance indicators, while Covid is increasing across some. Of the 91 community-acquired emergency hospital admissions, 27 were Flu A, four Flu B, 33 were RSV and 27 were Covid.
Community acquired emergency influenza and RSV inpatients have increased but remain at low levels, with a stable trend in the number of community acquired emergency Covid inpatients in recent weeks. Meanwhile, out of 326 all-cause deaths, 73 were associated with respiratory issues (23.4%).
In the week ending 18th October, 12 Covid-19 deaths out of 316 all-cause deaths were reported (3.2%). The NHS is preparing for a potential ‘tripledemic’ of viruses this winter, with the flu season typically peaking in December and January.
Adult vaccinations began in October to protect the most vulnerable during the colder months when virus spread tends to increase due to people congregating indoors. The PHA launched the 2024/25 winter vaccination programme at the beginning of October and continues to remind the public that vaccination is the best defence against Covid and flu for those who are eligible.
Flu, RSV and Covid-19 all share similar symptoms, including fever, cough, and difficulty breathing. This overlap can make it difficult to distinguish between these respiratory viral infections.
Symptoms of the flu
To identify a potential case, healthcare providers may carry out a diagnostic test. The flu is caused by influenza viruses, which spread through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks. Flu symptoms typically appear very quickly and can include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches and fatigue.
Children may also experience ear pain and appear less active. While the flu usually improves without treatment, it can lead to serious illness in some individuals.
To aid recovery, rest and sleep, keep warm, take paracetamol or ibuprofen to lower your temperature and ease aches and pains, and drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration.
Symptoms of RSV
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is caused by a virus that spreads through contact with an infected person’s respiratory droplets or contaminated surfaces. The virus enters the body through the eyes, nose or mouth and can be passed to others through direct contact, such as shaking hands.
RSV often causes coughs and colds and while most infections resolve on their own, they can occasionally pose serious risks for infants and elderly individuals.
Most people only experience symptoms akin to a common cold, 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: There is no specific treatment for an RSV infection.
It often improves on its own in one to two weeks, and you can usually care for yourself or your child at home. Drinking plenty of fluids, using saline nose drops and taking painkillers can help alleviate symptoms.
Symptoms of COVID
Covid-19 is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2). The virus spreads through tiny respiratory droplets that are released into the air when someone who is infected coughs, sneezes, talks, sings, or even breathes close to you.
Covid-19 symptoms can include: The symptoms are very similar to symptoms of other illnesses, such as colds and flu. Most people feel better within a few weeks, but recovery can take longer.
For some people, it can be a more serious illness, and their symptoms can last longer.
Try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people if you or your child have symptoms and either: have a high temperature or do not feel well enough to go to work, school, childcare, or do your normal activities. You can resume your normal activities when you feel better or do not have a high temperature.
Who is eligible for free jabs?
Eligible groups for Covid-19 autumn booster vaccine in 2024/25 are:.
ligible groups for Covid-19 autumn booster vaccine in 2024/25 are:
· All adults aged 65 years and over;
· persons aged six months to 64 years in a clinical risk group, as laid out in the Immunisation Green Book COVID-19 chapter (Green Book);
· pregnant women;
· residents and staff in a care home for older adults;
· frontline health and social care workers.
Those eligible for flu vaccine in 2024/25 are:
· All adults aged 65 years and over;
· persons aged six months to 64 years in a clinical risk group, as laid out in the Immunisation Green Book influenza chapter (Green Book);
· pregnant women;
· residents and staff in a care home for older adults;
· health and social care workers.
· all preschool children aged two to four years on 1 September 2024;
· all primary and secondary school children (up to and including year 12);
· carers;
· close contacts of immunocompromised individuals.
Further details on the winter vaccination programme can be found at www.nidirect.gov.uk/wintervaccines.