People up and down the UK say they are coming down with ‘the worst cold ever’ which is sweeping the UK.
While each winter brings with it the usual host of coughs, colds, bugs and viruses, some sufferers have reported that this year’s bout is the worst they’ve ever experienced, while the UK’s Health Security Agency has issued advice over rising flu and RSV cases.
Posting in Reddit’s r/CasualUK, one person said: “Something is definitely going around, and I know how much us Brits love to say that phrase. How do you beat the flu?”
Their sentiments were echoed almost verbatim by hundreds of others who say they have suffered with the virus, as they said they’ve ‘never had a cold like it’.
u/thedawiwhisperer said: “Had a really bad cold about two weeks ago, I’ve never had a cold like it. It was shocking. Now I’ve got the sniffles and feel like s*** again. HOW?”
u/anon71999 said: “Covid is in a big surge right now, and it damages your immune system leaving you susceptible to other infections. Wearing a proper mask indoors is one of the best things to do to avoid it.”
u/kijenti said: “I certainly have been, as have the family and my colleagues. Surest sign is going into a supermarket and to where all the paracetamol and Lemsip stuff is – shelves had been cleared out the other day. It certainly is going around.”
u/lampjambiscuit said: “Another round of COVID is going about here. Practically everyone I know has had it in the last month.”
u/rowmyownboat said: “I had it a couple of weeks ago. It was as bad as any cold/flu I have ever had. Yet it kicked off with a wicked sore throat. The sneezes were biblical – violent enough to tear those muscles between your ribs, so days of painful sneezing.”
u/stinglikeameg said: “I’ve had a sore throat for a week that’s like swallowing glass. Can’t eat, can’t sleep, as the pain is so bad. Never known anything like it.
“Starting antibiotics today so fingers crossed. My kids are also snotty as hell, so that’s adding to the fun.”
The UKHSA says that Covid rates decreased slightly last week, but flu cases increased, as did Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV).
Particular drivers of illness were spotted among those aged under five, which could be explained by children starting nursery in the recent new term and again after half term.
Dr Jamie Lopez Bernal, Consultant Epidemiologist at UKHSA, said: “This week’s data shows that while the three main respiratory infections remain at low levels, there have been significant increases in RSV activity, particularly among those aged 5 years and under. We expect to see continued increases in respiratory virus activity in the coming weeks.
“Vaccinations are offered against flu, COVID-19 and RSV and we urge those eligible to take up the vaccines ahead of the peak season to ensure they are protected heading into the winter months.
“Our current surveillance shows that around 13% of sequenced COVID-19 cases are the ‘XEC’ lineage however current information doesn’t suggest we should be more concerned about this variant. We are monitoring this closely and vaccination still offers the best protection.
“If you are showing symptoms of flu or COVID-19 such as a high temperature, cough, and feeling tired and achy, try to limit your contact with others, especially those who are vulnerable. Washing your hands regularly and using tissues can reduce the spread of respiratory illnesses.”