A quad-demic hits the UK

January 7th, 2025

At this time of year it’s quite normal to catch a common cold or, if you’re unlucky – come down with the flu. This winter something is different. In the UK, NHS bosses have warned hospitals to brace themselves for a potential tidal wave of patients hit by the quad-demic.

What is the quad-demic?

The quad-demic is made up of four illnesses that are circulating in the country at the moment – the flu, COVID-19, RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus), and the Norovirus. The UK Health and Security Agency (UKHSA) is monitoring the situation closely. Why?

The statistics are 3.5 times higher than this time last year.

Data released revealed an average of 1861 patients were admitted to the hospital every day in the first week of December, a 70% increase on the previous week. That number is 3.5 times higher than this time last year. Some hospitals have returned to the COVID-era masks and restrictions, and there has been a rise in medical staff absences due to the unexpected quad-demic. The National Medical Director for NHS England said, “The tidal wave of flu cases and other seasonal viruses hitting hospitals is really concerning for patients and for the NHS – the figures are adding to our ‘quad-demic’ worries.”

UKHSA urges people to take simple steps.

UKHSA are urging people to take simple steps to avoid winter bugs. The Director of Clinical & Emerging Infections, Dr Richard Pebody explained, “No one wants their festive plans derailed by a bout of norovirus or flu. Take simple steps to reduce your risk of infections and their consequences this winter – including taking up all the vaccines you may be eligible for including flu, Covid and RSV.“

The quad-demic is made up of 4 major illnesses all of which we have a good understanding of and coping strategies already set up. Whilst that keeps us one step ahead of the game, it’s a challenging game to keep up with at this time of the year. The flu, COVID-19, RSV and the Norovirus come with serious health concerns for those who already suffer from health conditions, the elderly and pregnant women. The illnesses can be prevented, controlled and cured.

The simple facts are:

The flu

The flu (influenza) is a viral infection of the respiratory system – the nose, throat and lungs. A person can also have stomach flu causing diarrhea and vomiting.

There are high cases of the flu at certain times of the year, the flu season is from October to May. Symptoms can include a runny or blocked nose, a fever, cough, headache, muscle aches, tiredness, sweating or chills.

The flu can be life-threatening and it can be the cause of death. Vaccines are available, flu vaccinations take up to 14 days to be most effective and are recommended from October onwards. In the UK, the flu jab can be given at hospitals, health centres, doctor’s surgeries, or pharmacies. There can be a variation in vaccines for different age groups.

Like all vaccines, there are possible side effects that can last up to two days including soreness or pain at the puncture point, a raised temperature or aching around the body.

COVID-19

We all know of someone who has had it or had it ourselves – it swept across the world at an astonishing rate.

COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The first case was found in 2019 in Wuhan, China. On March the 11th 2020, 118,000 cases in 114 countries and after 4291 deaths, the WHO (World Health Organisation) declared a pandemic.

Symptoms are similar to the flu and can also include a sore throat, severe fatigue, a persistent cough, a tight chest or chest pains. A shortness of breath, a hoarse voice, dizziness, irritated eyes, numbness, tingling, pain, difficulty sleeping, appetite loss and a change of sense or taste or smell.

Like flu and other serious viruses, COVID-19 can be life-threatening, people can be hospitalised and it can be the cause of death.

There are 2 types of vaccines in the UK – Spikevax and Pfizer. Side effects are much the same as the flu jab. It normally takes 14 days for the vaccine to be effective. Side effects from the jab are similar to that of flu.To find out more about the COVID-19 statistics, visit the worldometers website.

RSV

RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) is an infection of the lungs and respiratory tract. Mild cold-like symptoms are experienced and mostly found in children and older adults. RSV is a common cause of a cold and cough which can develop into pneumonia (lung infection) it can also cause bronchiolitis (chest infection). In severe cases, a person may need to be hospitalised.

A person with RSV could experience a congested or runny nose, dry cough, headache, sneezing, sore throat, a fever, wheezing, rapid breathing, swelling or an aching body.

There is a vaccination for RSV and it is recommended for pregnant women, a maternal RSV injection called Abrysvo is normally given when a woman is around 28 weeks pregnant. The adult RSV vaccine, Arexvy, is also recommended for people aged 75-79. Side effects can be similar to the flu and COVID-19 jab.

Norovirus

The Norovirus is a vomiting bug. It is a group of viruses that causes inflammation in the gut. It’s a nasty tummy bug. It is contracted by close contact or by eating contaminated food or food that has been in contact with contaminated surfaces. It is very contagious and spreads easily, and the vomiting can be severe.

Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach pain, headaches, a fever, or body aches. There is no vaccine for the Norovirus.

How can you distinguish the difference between the 4 illnesses?

Find out more here.

Here are the top tips to protect you from the 4 illnesses as recommended by the UKHSA.

Get vaccinated!
Avoid social gatherings if you know someone at the gathering is unwell
Wash your hands regularly using warm water and soap for 20 seconds
Keep surfaces clean, use a bleach-based or anti-bacterial cleaner
Wear a face mask in busy places such as travelling on the tube
Take supplements including vitamins and minerals
Eat a nutritional diet
Drink plenty of water

If you are unwell, try to incorporate the following foods into your healthy diet. They contain essential vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, anti-viral properties and anti-inflammatory compounds.