Surviving the UK Quad-Demic: A Beginner's Guide

As the UK reaches the end of another challenging winter, the NHS has had to tackle what experts are calling a "quad-demic" - a surge in cases of influenza, COVID-19, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and gastrointestinal infections like norovirus and rotavirus. With emergency services under record-breaking pressure, it's more important than ever to stay informed and take steps to protect yourself. 

In this guide, we’ll explore the latest data on infection rates, where to find up-to-date health information and practical ways to keep safe during this period. We’ll also look at how UK Meds can support you through the quad-demic, helping you access the essentials you need to stay protected.

Key Takeaways

Here are the 5 biggest takeaways from this article about the UK ‘quad-demic’:

• The NHS is facing a surge in four major illnesses - influenza, COVID-19, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and gastrointestinal infections like norovirus and rotavirus.

• This winter is the busiest on record for emergency services, with hospital admissions for flu, COVID-19, RSV, and norovirus significantly higher than previous years.

• Staying up to date with vaccinations for flu, COVID-19, and RSV is one of the most effective ways to protect yourself.

• Regular hand washing, cleaning surfaces, staying home when ill, and considering face-coverings in crowded spaces can all help reduce the spread of infections.

• UK Meds provides treatments for common cold symptoms, flu, and respiratory infections, as well as PPE like masks, gloves and hand sanitiser.

Is the NHS facing a Quad-Demic?

With NHS leaders warning of a "tidal wave" of winter viruses, the healthcare system is under immense strain due to a surge in four major illnesses. These are influenza, COVID-19, norovirus, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). This "quad-demic" is placing pressure on hospitals, GP surgeries, and emergency services that they have not experienced before, making it one of the most challenging winter seasons on record [1]. As cases rise, healthcare staff are facing increasing demand, and patients may experience longer wait times.

Busiest year on record for emergency services in the UK and increased pressure in 2025

The UK’s emergency services are facing their busiest year on record, with NHS staff under immense strain due to winter viruses. New figures presented by the NHS reveal that an average of 5,408 patients were hospitalised with flu each day last week, including 256 in critical care. This is more than three times higher than the same period last year. 

COVID-19, RSV, and norovirus cases are also very high, with over 1,100 COVID-19 patients in hospital daily and norovirus admissions up nearly 50% from last year. Several NHS trusts have already declared critical incidents due to exceptional demand, as colder weather and seasonal viruses push NHS services to their limits [2].

What plans have been actioned to improve the situation?

To tackle the pressure on the NHS, several measures have been put in place to help manage the surge in winter illnesses. The number of general and acute hospital beds has been gradually increased to create space for more people in urgent care. Vaccinations have also played an important role, with NHS teams administering 29 million flu, COVID-19 and RSV vaccines since the autumn.

The national booking system for vaccinations has now closed, however, eligible people can still get their flu or COVID-19 jab at walk-in centres or their local pharmacy. Despite this, NHS staff continue to face extreme strain, with some describing conditions similar to those seen at the peak of the pandemic.

Media Coverage

During a panel discussion, BBC Newscast explained what the quad-demic is and how worried the NHS are about it due to the rise in hospital flu cases, and complications arising from COVID, Norovirus and RSV. You can watch the episode below:

Where can I find the latest information on the current level of UK cases of influenza, COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus?

For the latest updates on influenza, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) cases in the UK, you can refer to the National Flu and COVID-19 Surveillance Report, published weekly by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). The reports provide a detailed summary of infection rates, hospital admissions and trends based on data [3].

Where can I find the latest information on the current level of UK cases of Norovirus and Rotavirus?

For the latest information on norovirus and rotavirus cases in the UK, you can refer to the National Norovirus and Rotavirus Report which is also published regularly by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). The reports provide an overview of norovirus and rotavirus, including outbreaks across England. This report is essential for tracking trends and understanding the impact of these gastrointestinal infections [4].

How can I protect myself during the quad-demic?

Consider getting the seasonal flu vaccine, RSV vaccine and/or COVID-19 vaccine

One of the most effective ways to protect yourself during the quad-demic is to stay up to date with vaccinations. If you're eligible, consider getting the seasonal flu vaccine, RSV vaccine and COVID-19 booster to reduce your risk of severe illness and hospitalisation. Vaccines help strengthen your immune system, making it easier to fight off infections and lowering the chances of spreading viruses to others. If you are interested in vaccinations, consult with your doctor or visit your local pharmacy.

Wash your hands regularly for 20+ seconds with soap and warm water

Maintaining good hand hygiene is a simple way to protect yourself during the quad-demic. Washing your hands regularly for at least 20 seconds with soap and warm water helps remove germs and reduces the risk of spreading viruses like flu, COVID-19, RSV and norovirus. Using an alcohol-based hand sanitiser can also provide an extra layer of protection when you’re on the go.

Clean your surfaces regularly

Regularly cleaning and disinfecting surfaces is key to preventing illness. Viruses like flu, COVID-19, RSV and norovirus can survive on surfaces for hours or even days, increasing the risk of transmission through touch. Focus on cleaning high-contact areas such as doorknobs, light switches, countertops, mobile phones and keyboards, using disinfectant wipes or sprays. 

Stay home if you are ill

If you're not feeling well, it's important to stay home to protect both yourself and others. Avoiding contact with others when you're sick can reduce the risk of spreading illnesses like flu, COVID-19, RSV and norovirus. Staying home gives you a chance to rest and recover while also helping to ease the strain on the NHS. If you're unsure whether to go to work or school, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and stay home.

Consider wearing a face-covering

Consider wearing a face-covering in crowded or enclosed spaces, especially if you're feeling unwell or are at higher risk of infection. Face masks help reduce the spread of respiratory viruses by trapping droplets that can carry germs when you cough, sneeze or talk. Wearing a mask in busy areas can offer an extra layer of protection for both you and those around you. 

Speak with your doctor for medical advice and if you have any concerns

If you have any concerns or are feeling ill, it's always a good idea to speak with your doctor for medical advice. They can provide advice on how to manage your symptoms and recommend appropriate treatments. If you are at higher risk due to age, pre-existing health conditions, or if you're unsure about vaccinations, consulting a doctor can help you take the right steps to protect your health.

How can UK Meds support you during the Quad-Demic?

During the quad-demic, UK Meds can offer support by providing access to treatments and supplies that can help you manage symptoms and stay protected. Cough and cold treatments are available to buy online that can help alleviate common cold symptoms, flu, and other respiratory infections.

We also supply essential personal protective equipment (PPE), including high quality face masks, gloves and hand sanitiser to help reduce the risk of transmission. These products can all be purchased online from UK Meds and will be delivered directly to you.

Final Thoughts

Navigating the UK’s “quad-demic” requires staying informed, taking preventive measures and using the available resources to protect yourself and others. With influenza, COVID-19, RSV, and norovirus spreading across the country, it's crucial to stay up to date on vaccinations, practice good hygiene, and take steps to reduce the spread of infections by wearing a face mask and staying home if you're unwell. 

The NHS is under significant strain, and by doing your part, you can help ease the pressure on emergency services. UK Meds offers support by providing access to essential treatments and PPE to help you stay safe and healthy.

Sources

[1] Is The NHS Facing a 'Quad-Demic'? - BBC News

[2] Busiest year on record for emergency services as winter flu pressure rages on - NHS England

[3] National flu and COVID-19 surveillance report: 9 January (week 2) - GOV.UK

[4] National norovirus and rotavirus report, week 4 report: data to week 2 (data up to 12 January 2025) - GOV.UK