Beat Winter Bugs: Protect Yourself from Covid, RSV and Flu

October to March are peak times for Covid, flu, and RSV viruses to spread, but according to data published by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) flu and Covid are already on the rise.

What are the symptoms of these viruses?

If you have flu, you’ll very quickly feel achy and tired. You may also have a high temperature, a headache, a cough and often a sore throat.  

Symptoms of RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) are sometimes confused for a cold because you will normally have a runny or blocked nose, sneezing and a cough. You might also get a temperature and feel shivery. The problem with RSV is that it can lead to bronchiolitis or pneumonia, especially in young children.

Covid symptoms today are very similar to flu, but new variants, depending on which one you’ve got, can also cause a very painful sore throat with nausea, bloating and diarrhoea or flu-like symptoms and a hoarse voice.

The virus can also cause you to lose your sense of taste or smell and experience shortness of breath. Covid also makes you feel much more tired.  

How should I treat a cold, flu or RSV?

Get plenty of rest and take paracetamol or ibuprofen if you have a temperature. Keep hydrated by drinking plenty of liquids but avoid caffeine.

If you feel breathless breath through your nose and out through your mouth. Sitting up straight in a chair will help and so will leaning forward slightly.  Although it’s difficult, try not to get anxious if you can’t breathe properly as this will make it worse. Watch this video from the NHS to find out how to relieve breathlessness.

If you have a baby or a young child who has difficulty breathing, feels floppy or lethargic or seems to have pale or blue skin, then call 999.

What vaccines will protect me from these viruses?

There isn’t a vaccination for the common cold. You can lower your risk of getting the virus by washing your hands regularly with hot water and soap and not touching your face too much as the virus can enter your body through your eyes and nose.  Eating healthy meals and doing some exercise each day will help to boost your immune system.

The Covid vaccination is now available to:

• people of 75 years of age, or who will be 75 by the 21 January 2026
• People between the ages of 6 months and 74 years who have a weakened immune system because they have a health condition, or they are having treatment for a health condition.
• Is an older adult living in a care home

You can book the Covid vaccine using the NHS app, online or at a walk-in vaccination service.

The RSV vaccine is available for:

• adults between the ages of 75 and 79 as well as those who turned 80 after 1 September 2024. You might receive a text, email or letter from your surgery, but if not contact your GP for an appointment.
• adults who are 28 weeks pregnant or more should be offered the vaccine at their 28-week antenatal appointment. If not, speak to your GP or your maternity service.

Flu vaccines are available on the national health and privately here at VSM Pharmacy. You can have a free NHS flu jab if you:

• are 65 or over, or you will be 65 by the 31 March 2026
• are pregnant
• live with someone who has a weakened immune system
• are the main carer of a disabled or older person
• receive carer’s allowance
• live in a care home
• have a health condition which makes you eligible for an NHS flu jab.

If you’re not eligible you can still have a flu jab privately. It currently costs £24.99.

How do I make an appointment at the Pharmacy for a flu jab?

It is better to book online to secure a time slot that suits you. We will try to accommodate walk-in requests, but you may have to wait. You can also make an appointment by calling us on 01276 21002.