UK Health Security Agency reports low levels of winter viruses in mid-October 2026
The UK Health Security Agency published surveillance data on 22 October 2026 covering the week of 12 to 18 October 2026. The report shows that major winter viruses are currently circulating at low or baseline levels across the country. Baseline levels mean a virus is present in the population at expected background rates without causing unusual pressure on health services. For week 42, laboratory positivity for flu was 6.3 percent, while COVID-19 positivity stood at 8.9 percent. Hospital admissions for both viruses saw minor increases, with COVID-19 hospitalisations rising slightly to 2.64 per 100,000 people. Meanwhile, norovirus laboratory reports were 32.6 percent lower than the five-season average. Dr Jamie LopezBernal, Consultant Epidemiologist at the agency, stated that early rises in flu have slowed, but encouraged eligible individuals to book free NHS vaccines before viruses start circulating more widely this winter.
What was announced
The UK Health Security Agency released its weekly surveillance update on 22 October 2026. The figures track flu, COVID-19, Respiratory Syncytial Virus, norovirus, and rotavirus for the period between 12 October and 18 October 2026.
Laboratory testing showed flu positivity at 6.3 percent, up slightly from 6.2 percent the previous week. Flu hospital admissions rose to 1.94 per 100,000 people. COVID-19 lab positivity remained stable at 8.9 percent, with hospitalisations at 2.64 per 100,000 and intensive care admissions remaining low at 0.05 per 100,000. Respiratory Syncytial Virus, a common infection affecting the lungs and airways, showed a positivity rate of 0.9 percent and a hospital admission rate of 0.33 per 100,000.
Between 5 October and 18 October 2026, norovirus lab reports were 32.6 percent below the five-season average. Rotavirus lab reports were 9.8 percent higher than the five-season average.
What it means
The figures indicate that winter respiratory illness rates remained low in mid-October. An early rise in flu cases observed in earlier weeks slowed down.
The UK Health Security Agency advised that vaccination remains the key defence against severe winter illness. Free NHS vaccines for flu, COVID-19, and Respiratory Syncytial Virus are available for eligible adults, along with a nasal spray flu vaccine for children.
The agency also provided advice for stomach bugs. Alcohol gels do not kill norovirus, so handwashing with soap and warm water is required alongside bleach-based surface cleaners. Anyone with vomiting or diarrhoea should stay away from work, school, nursery, hospitals, and care homes until 48 hours after symptoms end.
What the announcement does not tell us
The surveillance report gives a snapshot of recent virus counts, but it leaves several details unaddressed.
It does not predict when virus activity will peak this winter or how severe the season will be overall. While Dr Jamie LopezBernal noted that early flu growth slowed, the agency stated that coming trends cannot be easily predicted.
The update does not outline current vaccination uptake figures among eligible groups. It also omits regional breakdowns across England or the wider UK, providing only national rates. Finally, it does not state whether health services face capacity issues from current admission levels.
How this was written
This analysis was written with AI from the official announcement below, using only facts that announcement states. The quoted wording is gov.uk: UK Health Security Agency’s own. Always check the original before acting on anything here.
Report monitoring respiratory viruses for the 2026/27 season.
Opens www.gov.uk
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