England is experiencing a slight rise in temperatures this week, with forecasts predicting up to 18°C in some areas on Wednesday. This comes after weeks of persistent rain and cold conditions, which have allowed various nasty viruses to flourish as people spend more time indoors, increasing the likelihood of transmission.
Virus Levels Remain High Despite Weather Improvement
Although the weather has improved somewhat, several unpleasant illnesses continue to affect individuals across England. According to the latest data from the UK Health Security Agency, which covers England, approximately eight viruses are currently causing people to fall ill. While some, such as Covid-19 and influenza, have seen a slight decline, norovirus levels have surged to their highest point this winter.
Norovirus Cases Double in a Month
The NHS reports that cases of norovirus have doubled within just one month. Last week, NHS England highlighted that norovirus cases in hospitals have reached their highest level so far this winter. On average, there were 1,012 patients hospitalized with norovirus each day, based on data published on February 19. This marks the first time this winter that the daily average has exceeded 1,000 patients.
The total represents a jump of almost nine percent (8.9%) compared to the previous week, which recorded 929 cases. Furthermore, the average number of norovirus patients in hospitals per day increased by more than 2.5 times from the beginning to the end of January, rising from 361 to 950. NHS England has warned that the country is facing a second surge as cases have risen again in February after briefly stabilising at the start of the month.
Symptoms and Spread of Norovirus
Norovirus, often referred to as the winter vomiting bug, is a stomach bug that causes vomiting and diarrhoea. It can be very unpleasant but typically resolves within about two days, according to the NHS. Symptoms include sudden, violent vomiting and watery diarrhoea, usually starting 12–48 hours after exposure and lasting 1–3 days. Other common symptoms are stomach cramps, nausea, fever, headache, and muscle aches. The virus is highly contagious and often spreads in closed environments, making hydration crucial.
It is caused by a virus that spreads through faecal matter and can be transmitted easily through close contact with infected individuals, touching contaminated surfaces or objects, consuming food prepared by someone with norovirus, or drinking unclean water.
Other Key Viruses Circulating in England
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is currently at medium levels, while human metapneumovirus is on the rise. Below is a detailed breakdown of infection levels for key winter viruses currently circulating in England, along with symptoms to watch for.
Covid-19
Levels of Covid-19 have stabilised, according to the UK Health Security Agency. In the latest figures, 765 cases were detected in the week ending February 11. There were 39 deaths reported in the week to February 6, with 514 patients admitted to hospital testing positive.
Common symptoms include a high temperature, new continuous cough, loss of smell or taste, fatigue, body aches, headache, sore throat, and nasal congestion. Symptoms are similar to colds or flu, with many recovering in a few weeks, though some may experience more serious, long-term illness. Individuals with symptoms are advised to stay home and avoid contact with others, particularly those with weakened immune systems, for 10 days after testing.
Influenza
Influenza activity has decreased and is circulating at baseline levels, as stated by the UKHSA. The latest figures show a positivity rate of 3.7% in tests, with hospital admissions at 1.3 per 100,000 in the seven days to February 2026. Emergency department attendances for influenza-like illness have also decreased, according to the NHS.
Flu symptoms typically come on very quickly and can include a sudden high temperature, aching body, fatigue or exhaustion, dry cough, sore throat, headache, difficulty sleeping, and stomach problems.
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)
RSV is one of the common viruses that cause coughs and colds in winter. It circulates at medium levels in the UK, with symptoms usually mild but potentially serious for infants, older adults, and those with chronic medical conditions.
Symptoms often start like a common cold, including runny nose, coughing, sneezing, fever, and decreased appetite, appearing 4–6 days after infection. Most people recover within 1–2 weeks, but it can lead to severe breathing issues such as bronchiolitis or pneumonia, characterized by wheezing, rapid breathing, and, in infants, irritability or severe lethargy.
Adenovirus
Adenovirus positivity remained stable at 1.3% in the latest figures, with the highest positivity rate in children under five years at 7.7%. These viruses are highly contagious and typically cause mild respiratory infections like colds, sore throat, fever, and bronchitis, or stomach issues such as gastroenteritis. Most children experience at least one infection before age 10, and it can also cause conjunctivitis (pink eye).
Symptoms include fever, sore throat, cough, and runny nose, appearing 2 days to 2 weeks after exposure. They usually resolve on their own, but severe cases, especially in immunocompromised individuals, may require medical attention.
Human Metapneumovirus (hMPV)
The UKHSA reported that hMPV positivity increased slightly to 3.5%, with the highest positivity in children under five years at 5.2%. This virus usually causes cold-like symptoms, such as cough, wheezing, runny nose, or sore throat. Most cases are mild, but young children, adults over 65, and those with weakened immune systems are at higher risk for serious illness. It is common, with most people contracting it before age five.
Parainfluenza
Positivity for parainfluenza increased slightly to 3.4%, with the highest positivity in children under five years at 7%. Human Parainfluenza Viruses (HPIVs) are common respiratory viruses that typically cause mild, cold-like symptoms and are associated with croup in young children.
Some individuals, such as children and adults with weakened immune systems, may be more likely to develop severe illness. Preventive measures include washing hands, avoiding touching the face, and limiting close contact with sick people.
Rhinovirus
Rhinovirus positivity remained stable at 11.7%, with the highest positivity in children under five years at 26.8%. Rhinoviruses are the most frequent cause of the common cold and can trigger asthma attacks. Most infections cause no symptoms or mild symptoms, but they can lead to severe illness in those with weakened immune systems, asthma, or other underlying conditions.
High-risk groups include premature infants, people infected with multiple respiratory viruses, immunocompromised individuals, and children with a parent who has a hypersensitive immune system.
