Covid-19 cases are rising again as the autumn draws in – driven by the Stratus variant
Winter illnesses, including Covid and flu, are circulating across the UK(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
The latest national data shows the rise in Covid-19 cases across the UK may be slowing, but health bosses think a worrying “early flu season” could be upon us. Covid-19 cases – as seen across the country according to UK Health Security Agency, appear to have seen a slight drop during October so far, but NHS leaders continue to warn people to get vaccinated as new variants spread around the country.
The NHS continues to urge people in eligible groups to get vaccinated and best protect themselves against the new variants of Covid – and illnesses like flu. When it comes to Covid-19, the recently dominant variants are named Stratus and Nimbus.
These have driven an autumn uptick in Covid-19 cases that is now feeding into a rise in Covid-19 hospitalisations. Nationwide,
The Stratus variant has been coded XFG by experts and had accounted for 40% of new UK cases as long ago as June. Now, it or its closely related variants accounts for well over 80% of cases.
The UK Health Security Agency has now begun its more detailed reporting of winter illnesses, focussing on respiratory infections like flu and Covid-19. In its latest “surveillance report”, the agency said “The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is urging all eligible groups to come forward for their free flu vaccination now. This is because the latest data published today suggests that flu is increasing early this year and hospitalisations starting to rise.
“Current flu levels are still within the typical seasonal range and similar to what was seen in 2022 to 2023 when there was a relatively early flu season following the Covid-19 pandemic. Latest data suggests that cases amongst younger adults and school-age children are driving the early flu signal. “
As for Covid-19 itself – the UKHSA added: “Covid-19 showed slightly decreasing activity across indicators and was circulating at medium levels. ED attendances for Covid-19-like illness remained stable. The number of reported SARS-CoV-2 confirmed acute respiratory infections (ARI) incidents in week 41 decreased compared with the previous week.”
In the North East, cases had steadily risen over recent weeks, but the trend may be turning. Across the region as a whole, cases are at 5.40 per 100,000 people on October 15. That’s down from above 10 on October 6.
Health leaders in our region continue to encourage people to get life-saving vaccinations. Bosses at the North East and North Cumbria NHS integrated care board said more than 200,000 people had so far been vaccinated across the area.
Dr Catherine Monaghan, respiratory consultant and medical director, said: “This is a fantastic start to our winter vaccination programme, but we know there are still many more people who we want to come forward to get protected this winter.
“Flu and COVID-19 vaccines can be lifesaving and are our best defence against these viruses. It only takes a few minutes to book an appointment and getting vaccinated not only protects you but also helps keep your family, friends and whole community safe.”
Appointments for both flu and COVID-19 jabs can be booked through the NHS website, the NHS App, or by calling 119 free of charge. If eligible for both, people can receive their vaccines at the same time.
As of October 15, these are the seven-day rolling average Covid-19 case rates for our areas:
North Tyneside 6.22 cases per 100,000 people (13.07 a week ago)
Newcastle upon Tyne – 9.72 cases per 100,000 people (14.02 a week ago)
Northumberland 7.46 cases per 100,000 people (13.68 a week ago)
Gateshead 2.04 cases per 100,000 people (8.67 a week ago)
South Tyneside 3.38 cases per 100,000 people (16.28 a week ago)
Sunderland 3.28 cases per 100,000 people (4.74 a week ago)
County Durham 4.99 cases per 100,000 people (7.44 a week ago)
Note that data for the most recent seven days is provisional and likely to rise – slightly – as further cases are reported to the health authorities.
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