COVID, Flu, Bundibugyo Ebolavirus, HPAI H5N1 Avian Flu, Shamonda, Bluetongue, Measles and Other Virus and Health UK and World News Update 6th November 2026
Depending on which agencies measurements you use, COVID is running rampant in the UK, and also at "low levels". Either way it's not great, but the percentage of positive test results in England is down a little on last week. Bob Hawkins from Seeing The Forest For The Trees suggests England and N.Ireland Low, Scotland Medium, Wales Moderate, which lines up with what else I'm reading online (and in real life).
The UK's early flu season is very much visible, the percentage of positive test results is up and it is also deemed to be at "low levels" (UK HSA) with regional variation. There is some pressure regionally on hospitals, with a couple of critical incidents reported over the last fortnight (including currently Truro, Cornwall).
Our other main cause of respiratory problems, RSV, is beginning to wake up for Winter, but still at "baseline levels".
According to ONS figures, week ending 23rd October there were 10,272 deaths registered in England and Wales, which is 6.7% lower than expected (732 fewer deaths), but 11.0% involved influenza or pneumonia (1,130 deaths).
NHS Consultants will be striking on 25th and 26th November after a ballot by the BMA Union. This is the first senior doctor's strike since 2023, and is over pay, conditions and working hours. "Christmas Day cover" will be in place, so no patients will come to harm.
