As the leaves turn and temperatures dip across the UK and Central Minnesota, health officials and medical experts are sounding the alarm over a sharp rise in respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19, influenza, the common cold, and RSV. With new COVID variants like Stratus (XFG) and Nimbus (NB.1.8.1) sweeping through communities, hospitals are bracing for a challenging winter season, and public health campaigns are ramping up efforts to encourage vaccination and preventative measures.
In Central Minnesota, Dr. Kimberly Tjaden, a family physician with CentraCare in St. Cloud, recently discussed the seasonal surge of respiratory illnesses on WJON. "The fall is when the amount of respiratory illnesses tends to increase and they peak in the winter months of December-February," she explained. According to Dr. Tjaden, influenza typically strikes with high fever, body aches, headaches, and chills, often leaving patients suddenly bedridden. "Often times patients are fine one minute and the next minute it's hard to lift your head up off the pillow," she said. While both the flu and the common cold can last 7 to 10 days, a lingering cough may persist for two to three weeks after recovery from influenza.
The common cold, on the other hand, brings sniffles, cough, headache, sore throat, and a mild fever—rarely reaching the high temperatures associated with the flu. Dr. Tjaden emphasized that "the biggest difference between influenza and a cold is the flu will include a high fever and body aches." She also warned that both influenza and COVID-19 can lead to severe complications, including death and inflammatory responses that may arise weeks after the initial illness. RSV, while usually mild in healthy adults, poses a significant threat to infants and the elderly.
Across the Atlantic, the situation is similarly concerning. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) reported on October 14, 2025, that hospital admissions due to COVID-19 in England jumped by 60 percent between August 18 and September 18. The rise is attributed to the spread of new COVID variants—Stratus and Nimbus—as well as a steady increase in flu cases. Professor Lawrence Young, a molecular oncology expert at the University of Warwick, described the surge as "worrying" for such an early point in the autumn.
Professor Peter Openshaw, a respiratory physician and immunologist at Imperial College London, urged the public to take up COVID and flu vaccinations, noting that last year's COVID vaccine uptake was a "disappointingly low" 60 percent. The flu vaccine is available for people over 65, care home residents, pregnant women, and at-risk individuals between six months and 64 years old. "I wear a mask to avoid getting all types of airborne viruses, including colds and flu, especially if people around me are coughing and sneezing," Professor Openshaw told the Mirror. He added, "Most people are relaxed with you wearing a mask and it does help you avoid illness if you wear it correctly."
Hand hygiene remains a cornerstone of protection. Experts recommend frequent hand washing with hot water and soap, and government advice now suggests everyone consider taking a daily 10mg vitamin D supplement during the colder months to support immune health.
Scotland has also seen a spike in COVID cases, particularly from the Stratus and Nimbus variants. Public Health Scotland data shows increased hospitalisations since early October. The NHS has responded by issuing a 'five-day rule'—advising adults who test positive for COVID to stay home and avoid contact with others for five days after their test, while children should do so for three days. The NHS also recommends that anyone with symptoms avoid meeting vulnerable individuals for 10 days.
COVID symptoms, as outlined by NHS Scotland, include high temperature or chills, continuous cough, loss or change of smell or taste, shortness of breath, tiredness, aching body, headache, sore throat, blocked or runny nose, loss of appetite, diarrhoea, and nausea. "The symptoms are very similar to symptoms of other illnesses, such as colds and flu. Most people feel better within a few weeks, but it can take longer to recover. For some people, it can be a more serious illness and their symptoms can last longer," the NHS states.
To ease symptoms, the NHS suggests rest, hydration, paracetamol or ibuprofen for discomfort, and honey for cough (except in babies under 12 months). For breathlessness, techniques such as breathing slowly through the nose, sitting upright, and leaning forward can help. The NHS cautions against using fans, which may spread the virus, and advises not to panic if breathlessness occurs.
In response to rising cases and the emergence of new variants, the UK's vaccination campaign has intensified. As of October 14, 2025, flu and COVID-19 vaccines are available for all eligible individuals. Dr. Amanda Doyle, National Director for Primary Care and Community Services at NHS England, stressed, "It’s concerning to hear flu and COVID-19 cases are already creeping up ahead of winter – but vaccinations remain our best defence against these viruses and can be lifesaving. Get vaccinated today to protect yourself and others around you, it might keep you out of hospital this winter."
The NHS has already sent over 12 million vaccine invitations and is encouraging eligible individuals not to wait for an invite to book their appointments. Health Minister Karin Smyth added, "Vaccines save lives and with flu and COVID-19 cases already rising, I urge all those eligible to come forward and prevent sickness before it happens. Get vaccinated and protect yourself, your loved ones and help reduce pressure on the NHS. Don’t wait – book your appointment today."
Dr. Mary Ramsay, Director of Immunisation at UKHSA, echoed these sentiments, noting that vaccination is particularly important for those at higher risk of severe illness. "If you’re eligible it is because you are at greater risk of getting seriously ill and ending up in hospital. Book online on the NHS app or National Booking System or speak to your GP or practice nurse, or alternatively your local pharmacist. Join the ‘Stay strong, get vaccinated’ campaign – it could be the most important appointment you make this winter, helping to keep you out of hospital."
Beyond COVID and flu, the NHS recommends the RSV vaccine for pregnant women and older adults, as well as the pneumococcal vaccine for those over 65, to guard against pneumonia and other serious winter illnesses. With a 50 percent increase in rhinovirus (the common cold) also reported by UKHSA, likely linked to schools reopening, the message is clear: this winter, preparation is key.
For Central Minnesotans and Brits alike, the advice is familiar but urgent—wash your hands, wear masks in crowded places, eat well, exercise, get vaccinated if eligible, and stay home if you’re sick. As Dr. Tjaden put it, "Ways to prevent any of these illnesses include frequent hand washing, avoiding known sick individuals, wearing a mask, exercising on a regular basis and eating a healthy diet." With new COVID variants on the rise and hospitals already feeling the strain, these everyday actions could make all the difference this winter.
