Respiratory infections can, of course, be really dangerous for vulnerable people – in a bad winter tens of thousands of people can die of flu.
But there is nothing to suggest the respiratory viruses circulating now are causing more serious illness this year in otherwise healthy people.
“We all react in different ways – and we don’t really understand why,” admits Prof Ball.
“Of course, age and fitness have a lot to do with it, but sometimes it is just your individual genetics or how tired and rundown you may be, or when you were last exposed to that particular virus.”
In terms of protecting yourself, the most important step to take, if you are eligible, is to get vaccinatinated. Shots are being offered for flu, Covid and RSV, external to protect those who are most at-risk of serious illness, which includes older people and those with certain health conditions.
If you are ill, UKHSA says you can help protect others by washing your hands regularly, especially after coughing or sneezing, staying at home if you can and consider wearing a mask if you do have to go into public places.
Prof Ball says it is right to take precautions to try to protect vulnerable people, but adds if you are healthy and young or of working age, getting the odd respiratory illness is pretty inevitable and not necessarily a bad thing.
“Most people will get one or two respiratory infections every year. In some ways, it’s a good thing when you are a child or healthy adult.
“By getting exposed you are building up your immunity through natural infection – so when you are older you hopefully have enough immunity to not get severely ill.”