At Chijos News, we keep the UK’s African and Caribbean diaspora informed about health developments that affect everyday life, family wellbeing and travel plans back home. The latest weekly surveillance bulletin from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) paints a mixed picture for the start of 2026, with norovirus cases rising sharply even as flu, COVID-19 and RSV continue to trend downwards.
According to UKHSA’s most recent data, norovirus cases increased by 47 per cent in the first two weeks of 2026 compared with the final two weeks of December. While overall activity remains within expected seasonal levels, health officials say the rise is enough to warrant renewed attention to hygiene, particularly among older adults and in hospital settings where outbreaks are becoming more common.
Reports show that people aged 65 and over continue to be the most affected group, and there has also been a noticeable increase in hospital-based outbreaks. For many families, especially those caring for older relatives or planning visits, this is a timely reminder that norovirus can spread quickly and cause serious illness in vulnerable people.
Flu, COVID-19 and RSV Continue to Decline
In contrast, surveillance data for the first full week of the year shows encouraging declines in flu, COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). All three viruses are currently circulating within expected levels for this time of year, with flu activity now considered low, COVID-19 remaining at baseline levels and RSV decreasing slightly while staying at medium levels.
Health experts caution, however, that winter viruses are unpredictable. Past seasons show that trends can reverse quickly, which is why public health advice continues to focus on prevention and vaccination, especially for those most at risk of severe illness or hospitalisation.
Simple Steps Still Make a Big Difference
UKHSA continues to stress that basic hygiene remains one of the most effective ways to reduce the spread of both respiratory and stomach viruses. Regular handwashing with soap and warm water is particularly important for norovirus, as alcohol-based hand gels do not kill the virus. Cleaning surfaces with bleach-based products also helps stop infections spreading in homes, workplaces and care settings.
Good ventilation remains key in reducing the spread of respiratory viruses such as flu, RSV and COVID-19. People with symptoms are advised to stay at home where possible, and if they need to go out, to consider wearing a face covering, especially when visiting hospitals, care homes or order relatives.
Anyone experiencing diarrhoea and vomiting is advised not to return to work, school or nursery until at least 48 hours after symptoms have stopped, and to avoid preparing food for others during that time.
Vaccination Still Strongly Advised
Flu and RSV vaccines remain widely available on the NHS, and health officials are urging eligible people who have not yet been vaccinated to take up the offer. Those most at risk from flu include everyone aged 65 and over, pregnant women, children from age two through to school year 11, and people with certain long-term health conditions.
The RSV vaccine is available to adults aged 75 to 79, those who turned 80 after 1 September 2024, and pregnant women from 28 weeks, helping protect newborn babies in their first months of life. Early effectiveness data from UKHSA shows that this season’s flu vaccine is working well against the dominant strain so far, offering strong protection against severe illness.
While vaccine uptake among over-65s remains relatively high at just over 74 per cent, uptake among pregnant women and younger adults with long-term health conditions remains lower, prompting renewed calls for action as winter continues.
Experts Warn Against Complacency
Amy Douglas, Lead Epidemiologist at UKHSA, said the recent rise in norovirus cases among older adults and in hospitals highlights the need for continued vigilance. She emphasised that while levels remain within expected ranges, simple actions such as proper handwashing and staying away from vulnerable people when ill can prevent further increases.
Dr Alex Allen, Consultant Epidemiologist at UKHSA, also welcomed the continued fall in flu and RSV levels but warned that the flu season is far from over. Data from previous years suggests respiratory virus activity can persist well into March, particularly among older age groups who remain at highest risk.
What This Means for the Diaspora
For members of the diaspora living in the UK, these trends matter not just for personal health but also for work, caring responsibilities and travel plans. Many families maintain close ties with order relatives, both in Britain and abroad, and understanding which viruses are circulating helps people make informed decisions about visits and precautions.
At Chijos News, we will continue to track weekly health updates and break down what they mean in real terms for our communities. As winter continues, health experts agree on one thing: staying informed, practising good hygiene and taking up vaccines remain the best ways to protect yourself and those you love.
