Respiratory virus cases rise across Britain as flu season starts early

Respiratory virus cases are increasing across Britain in early October 2026, marking an unusually early start to the flu season, the Daily Mail reported. Health officials warned that early indicators point toward a difficult winter ahead for the public. [1]

Figures published during the first week of October show that flu cases are three times higher than at the same point last year, according to the Daily Mail. Monthly Covid infections reached 4,589 recorded cases in September, up from 1,374 cases in August, marking the highest monthly total since October 2025. [1]

Covid is a contagious disease caused by the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. After spreading globally in early 2020, the disease resulted in a global pandemic that the World Health Organization declared over as an emergency in May 2023. [2]

National data from NHS England shows that respiratory illnesses are climbing rapidly as autumn begins, the Daily Mail reported. Health leaders continue to monitor the early surge in seasonal infections. [1]