COVID-19, Flu, H5N1 Avian Flu and Other Virus UK and World News Update 28th November 2025

COVID-19, Flu, H5N1 Avian Flu and Other Virus UK and World News Update 28th November 2025

Norovirus cases are on a downward slope in the UK. One down, one up. RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) season is upon us. This is a common virus most people hardly notice. RSV feels like a chesty cold, but can cause pneumonia in people who are less robust, and Bronchiolitis in little ones, which is the leading cause of infant mortality. If you have a chesty cold or are otherwise ill, don't visit Grandma, or friends and family with babies, and definitely don't visit anyone in hospital. 

The UK HSA weekly winter surveillance report shows that although we had an early start to flu season, it's a fairly 'normal' flu season. Cases are rising, but not leaping. Their wording:

- Flu activity has increased this week following a dip in recent weeks. Outbreaks in care homes and schools have also increased.

- RSV has increased and is circulating at low to medium levels across indicators.

- COVID-19 activity has decreased across most indicators and is circulating at baseline levels.

COVID-19, Long COVID and Other Health and Virus UK and World News Update 14th November 2025

COVID-19, Long COVID and Other Health and Virus UK and World News Update 14th November 2025

Latest UK Health Security Agency (HSA) messaging is that "influenza activity showed mixed trends and is circulating at low levels – this is an unusually early start of the influenza season". They add that circulation remains high in children and young adults.

COVID-19 activity decreased, still baseline levels. RSV activity increased, still baseline levels. 

"Emergency department attendances for influenza-like-illness remained stable", but "influenza-confirmed acute respiratory infection incidents increased". Of influenza viruses subtyped, the majority were A(H3N2).

There is a lot on flu today, so hopefully it all makes sense... Sir Jim Mackey, current head of NHS England, has warned that this winter will be “one of the toughest ever faced”. He told BBC Health Correspondent Hugh Pym that “from December through to March our hospitals will be at capacity”. Well that's not very positive is it? Here's why he said it...