Covid and flu cases climb this autumn as hospitals see modest uptick

Autumn has brought a rise in respiratory illnesses, with both Covid and flu cases climbing as children return to school and indoor gatherings increase. According to the UK Health Security Agency, Covid-related hospital admissions increased to 1.2 per 100,000 people in the week ending September 24, a rise of nearly 50% but still within the expected seasonal range. Flu testing among GP swabs showed a positivity rate of 10.7%, up from 8.3% the week before, though the agency describes this as a baseline seasonal level.

Typical Covid symptoms include fever, a new persistent cough, and loss of taste or smell, while flu often presents with sudden fever, dry cough, and body aches. Most individuals recover within a few weeks, but high-risk groups may develop serious complications such as pneumonia. The NHS will start providing the free flu jab to priority groups on October 1, with pregnant people eligible a month earlier. The agency emphasizes vaccination and self-care to mitigate the seasonal surge.