With the rise of several virus infections overwhelming the country, here are ten tips to help protect yourself and increase your understanding around the “quad-demic” – it all comes down to one, life-saving action everyone can do.
09:36, 12 Jan 2025Updated 09:36, 12 Jan 2025
Public transport is a virus hotspot(Image: Getty Images)
A “quad-demic” has gripped the UK, with four viral infections sweeping across the country. The NHS is currently under massive strain from all directions as millions battle flu, norovirus, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and Covid-19.
It’s led to major hospitals across the country declare critical incidents as they try to handle the overwhelming surge in infections.
Certain Covid-19 restrictions are also back, such as face-masks in hospitals and visiting bans, while A&E departments have up to 50-hour waiting times. Not only that, but it’s suggested that the worst is yet to come, as cases typically peak in February or March.
On top of that, a surge in cases of the flu-like human metapneumovirus (HMPV) in China has raised fears of another Covid-style pandemic.
Children can become really ill from these viruses(Image: Getty Images)
Experts have shared their top tips to survive the quad-demic, from how to tell the difference between a bad cold and a nasty virus, to whether or not you should wear a face-mask.
Do I have a simple cold or is this something nasty?
Experts told the Mail on Sunday that the main difference between the two is “severe fatigues and body ache.”
GP Dr Dean Eggitt said that while flu can feel “awful,” most people can avoid a visit to the doctor. He added that symptoms typically worsen over a couple of days you’ll tend to get better in a week.
He added: “We advise patients to rest, stay warm and take paracetamol, which helps lower a fever and with the body pain. But if you have persistent symptoms for ten days you need to see your GP.”
People at-risk of developing flu, which includes children, people with long-term health conditions and over 65s, should call 111 or their GP if they show symptoms.
Those with sudden chest pain, trouble breathing or coughing up blood should call 999 as these could be signs of pneumonia.
Make sure you wash your hands after using public transport(Image: Getty Images)
How do I get vaccinated against these viruses?
While the NHS online flu-jab service has been shut down, getting a vaccine is fairly simple. Pharmacies and GPs offer the jab.
Certain at-risk groups, over 65s, children and people with underlying health conditions, can get the jab for free until the end of March. All you have to do is to request the vaccine.
If you’re not eligible, you can still get it privately. Most pharmacists charge £20.
Meanwhile, the RSV vaccine is offered to a limited number of NHS patients, pregnant women and those aged 75 to 79.
Those eligible should have been invited to get it in September. If you haven’t you can still request one from their GP or pharmacist .
How do I avoid catching the flu?
Flu is a highly contagious infection. Basic measures, such as hand hygiene is key. Make sure you wash your hands, particularly after touching surfaces in public places, for 15 to 20 seconds with soap
Professor Paul Hunter, an infectious diseases expert at the University of East Anglia, said: “‘You can’t eliminate the risk but you can minimise it.”
Your GP or pharmacist can give you advice on how to manage these viruses(Image: Getty Images)
Is it possible to be immune from Norovirus?
The short answer – no.
There are five main types of norovirus in the UK. If you catch a different one, you will get sick. Not only that, but immunity may not even last long. Some studies suggest that it lasts anywhere from six months to eight years, so you can catch the same strain multiple times. Currently, there is no vaccine against norovirus too.
How do I protect myself from Norovirus?
Norovirus infects the digestive tract and mainly spreads when people with the virus don’t wash their hands after going to the toilet.
So, the best way to limit the spread is for everyone to regularly wash their hands – particularly after using the loo or public transport.
However, Norovirus is resistant to alcohol, so hand sanitiser won’t get rid of it. Luckily, water breaks down the virus’s protective outer shell, so wash with soap and water.
Professor Mark Fielder, virus expert at Kingston University, says: “A good clean of all the surfaces in your house during and for the weeks after someone in your house has been infected is critical.”
Hospitals are overwhelmed, with 50-hour waits in some cities(Image: Getty Images)
When does Norovirus mean a trip to the hospital?
While most people should recover from norovirus after resting at home, some do end up in hospital. This is mostly due to severe dehydration caused by lost bodily fluids from sickness and diarrhoea.
The advice that if vomiting lasts for more than two days, or diarrhoea for more than seven, seek advice from NHS 111. Call 999 if vomit looks bloody, green or like ground coffee, it could be a sign of internal bleeding. Professor Hunter said: “Watch out for light-headedness, as this can be a sign of dehydration.”
Is it time to bring out the face-masks?
Masks reduce the spread of respiratory viruses by trapping droplets when coughing, sneezing or talking, but they are not going to stop you catching something in the first place.
Experts say that it’s much more effective to stay home when you’re ill, no matter what viruses you have, compared to mask-wearing and testing.
Might be time to order yourself some face masks(Image: Getty Images)
What is RSV?
Respiratory-syncytial virus is a respiratory virus that can make young children and the elderly very poorly. The symptoms. are similar to a cold: a runny nose, cough or fever.
For this reason, most people with RSV don’t realise they have it. It can lead to breathing difficulties and even deadly pneumonia in young children and older adults.
There are also no drug treatments for severe symptoms. Patients are usually given oxygen and IV fluids to fight dehydration .
How can I stop myself from catching RSV?
Like other viruses, the most effective thing you can do is wash your hands.
As well as that, another expert added that while you don’t need to avoid seeing family, if anyone is showing symptoms. then you might want to “steer clear” for a few days, just for now.
The RSV vaccine is offered to a limited number of patients (Image: Getty Images)
Why are we even bothered about Covid-19 now?
The pandemic may be distant memory for most people now. Since the vaccine, Covid-19 isn’t a concern for most people as they will recover from it like a virus.
But vaccines don’t stop it from spreading. Last summer, a highly contagious variant, XEC, took off across the UK and was responsible for October’s rise in cases.
Since most people are well-protected, this rise in infection has only translated to a comparatively small increase in hospitalisations and deaths.
“Covid is always going to be a concern,” says Dr Cheryl Walter, a virus expert at the University of Hull. ‘However, the variant currently in the community is a milder disease than some of those we have previously experienced.”