The NHS has warned of a 'tripledemic' which is set to sweep across the UK this winter.

There has already been more than 18,000 deaths from the flu and 19,500 from Covid over the last two winters, according to the NHS.

Now three "nasty" viruses - COVID-19, flu and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) - are circulating around the UK.

People all over the UK have begun experiencing a decline in health as the cold weather begins to set in, and this may be due the trio of viruses.

Steve Russell, national director for vaccinations and screening at NHS England, described these winter viruses as a 'tripledemic'.

But what exactly is a ‘tripledemic’? Is there cause for concern? And how can you protect yourself against these nasty winter viruses?

What is a ‘tripledemic’?

“A ‘tripledemic’ refers to side-by-side outbreaks of three respiratory illnesses, typically occurring during the autumn and winter seasons,” explains Dr Chun Tang, a GP at Pall Mall.

“In recent years, it’s been used to describe the simultaneous spread of COVID-19, influenza (flu), and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

“Each of these viruses can cause severe illness, especially in vulnerable groups like the elderly, young children, and those with weakened immune systems.”

The 'tripledemic' is of "concern" now, Dr Tang continued, because the three viruses are circulating together in the UK.

"They can put pressure on the NHS due to a greater influx of patients,” the health expert added.

Flu, COVID-19 and RSV symptoms

There are a number of symptoms that are the same across all three viruses (flu, COVID-19 and RSV), according to Dr Tang, including:

  • Fever
  • Cough
  • Runny nose
  • Fatigue

This can "make it difficult to tell the difference between them", the doctor added.

How to tell if you have a cold, the flu or COVID-19

Difference in symptoms

However, there are some key differences to look out for.

COVID-19

Covid, according to Dr Tang, can lead to:

  • Loss of smell or taste
  • Breathing difficulties

Other COVID-19 symptoms, according to the NHS, are:

  • Headache
  • Loss of appetite
  • Diarrhoea
  • Feeling or being sick

RSV

Dr Tang said: "RSV often causes wheezing and is more likely to affect infants."

Most people only get cold-like symptoms with RSV, the NHS adds, but it can also lead to more serious infections (such as pneumonia or bronchiolitis).

In that case it may also cause:

  • A cough that gets worse
  • Shortness of breath
  • Faster breathing or long gaps between breaths
  • Loss of appetite
  • Noisy breathing (wheezing)
  • Confusion (in older adults)

Flu

As for the flu, Dr Tang commented: "(The flu) tends to hit quickly with sudden fever and body aches."

Other flu symptoms, according to the NHS, include:

  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Sore throat
  • Headache
  • Loss of appetite
  • Diarrhoea or tummy pain
  • Feeling and being sick

There are a number of symptoms that set the flu, COVID-19 and RSV apart.There are several symptoms that set the flu, COVID-19 and RSV apart. (Image: Alamy/PA)

Dr Tang urged anyone whose symptoms become severe or worsen over time to contact their local GP, especially if you have trouble breathing, persistent high fever, confusion, or chest pain.

“For infants, seek medical attention if they are struggling to breathe, are dehydrated, or if the child becomes unusually lethargic,” he added.

Is it possible to get all three viruses at the same time?

Yes, it is possible to get more than one of these viruses together, Dr Tang warned.

He said: “Being infected with multiple respiratory viruses can increase the severity of illness and make it harder for the body to recover, especially for those with weakened immune systems or existing health conditions.”

Who is most at risk?

The people most at risk of severe illness from the 'tripledemic', according to Dr Tang, include:

  • Young children
  • Older adults
  • Individuals with underlying health conditions (such as asthma, diabetes or weakened immune systems)

The doctor added: "Babies under the age of one, especially those born prematurely, are at higher risk from RSV, while older adults and those with chronic conditions may face more serious complications from the flu and COVID-19.”

How to live longer

Are there treatments for flu, COVID-19 and RSV?

There are varying treatments available for all three viruses - flu, COVID-19 and RSV.

Dr Tang explains: “Flu and COVID-19 have antiviral medications available, but they work best when started early.

“RSV typically requires supportive care, such as fluids, rest, and fever control, though severe cases in infants may require hospitalisation.

“For all three, the focus is on managing symptoms – hydration, rest, and medication to control fever and discomfort.”

How to protect yourself against the 'tripledemic'

You can protect yourself from the 'tripledemic' by keeping up to date with available vaccines.

One of the best ways to protect yourself against the 'tripledemic' is by keeping up to date with you vaccinations.One of the best ways to protect yourself against the 'tripledemic' is by keeping up to date with you vaccinations. (Image: Alamy/PA) “There are vaccines for flu and COVID-19, and this year an RSV vaccine has been approved for older adults,” Dr Tang said.

“Vaccination is crucial for reducing the risk of severe illness.”

Eligible people can book in for a vaccination via the NHS website, the NHS App, or by calling 119 for free.

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Practicing good hygiene is also important in helping protect against the trio of viruses sweeping across the UK.

“Regular hand washing, mask-wearing in crowded places, and staying home when sick can help reduce the spread,” said Dr Tang.

Taking vitamin D supplements can also help support immune health.