Flu and Covid rise early in Britain as experts weigh possible causes
Flu, Covid and other respiratory infections are rising across Britain unusually early in autumn, prompting health officials to warn that winter could be difficult. Experts say a more contagious flu strain and lower immunity after the Covid lockdowns may help explain the increase, while changes in seasonal virus patterns could also be involved.
Covid cases rose from 1,374 in August to 4,589 in September, their highest monthly level since October last year; flu cases are three times higher than at the same point last year. Japan, Taiwan and Hong Kong have also reported unusually early or high flu activity in recent years. Researchers say hotter summers and more time in poorly ventilated, air-conditioned spaces could contribute, but the causes remain uncertain and may affect when vaccination programmes should begin.
- Respiratory infections are increasing earlier than usual in Britain.
- September Covid cases reached 4,589.
- Experts are investigating shifts in flu season and vaccine timing.
New here? Start with this
Flu, Covid and other respiratory infections are spreading across Britain earlier than usual this autumn, raising concerns among health officials about the severity of the coming winter. These illnesses typically peak in winter months, so their early appearance suggests the season could be particularly challenging.
Several factors may explain why viruses are circulating more widely than expected. After the Covid pandemic lockdowns, fewer people developed immunity to other respiratory viruses like flu, making larger outbreaks possible. A more contagious flu strain is also in circulation, and scientists have noted that other countries in Asia have experienced similar early or unusually high infection levels.
The precise causes remain unclear, and researchers are investigating whether changes in climate and behaviour play a role, such as hotter summers or more time spent in air-conditioned spaces. Understanding what is driving these patterns matters because it affects decisions about when and how vaccination programmes should begin to protect people through winter.
Americas Entertainment TV World
Read the full article at the source →
Originally published by Daily Mail as “It’s only autumn, yet flu, Covid and other winter bugs are on the rise. Now experts think they know why”.