Articles in Author: Ben Clark

Worryingly, Covid infection levels in England have risen significantly in the last week. We are once again advising strict precautions against catching Covid in all but the lowest risk venues. Around 1 in every 242 people in England were infected as of 14 December, and the risk level is now approaching High.

At the same time, influenza (flu) levels have continued to climb.

Covid infection levels in England rose slightly last week, after falling previously to their lowest level since 2021. With around 1 in every 386 people in England infected as of 7 December, we have reverted to a Moderately High risk level.

More good news about Covid this week, as infection levels in England fall slightly. For the first time since 2021, we have lowered the risk level to Moderate, as around 1 in every 499 people in England were infected as of 30 November.

Influenza (flu) cases continue to sharply increase, and it is clear that the flu season this year will be as bad as it was last year. Remember, the same precautions we recommend for Covid will keep you safe from flu. It is not too late to get vaccinated against flu, and we strongly recommend that you do so if you haven’t already.

The good news about Covid continues this week, as infection levels in England continue to fall to the lowest level seen so far this year. Around 1 in every 429 people in England were infected as of 23 November, and the risk level remains Moderately High.

Influenza (flu) continues to circulate at high levels, but it is possible that the current flu wave has peaked.

Some rare good news about Covid in England, as infection levels fall back to ‘baseline’ levels last seen in early summer 2025. This doesn’t mean Covid has ceased to be a threat, as around 1 in every 296 people in England were still infected as of 16 November. The risk level, however, has fallen to Moderately High.

Influenza (flu) continues to circulate at high levels, but there are signs that the current flu wave may also be about to peak. Remember, while influenza is not as infectious or dangerous as Covid, it is still a nasty virus to catch, and can have long-term health impacts too. The influenza vaccine is much more widely available than the Covid vaccine, and we recommend everyone entitled to a flu vaccine gets one as quickly as possible.

The welcome fall in Covid infection levels in England continues. However, around 1 in every 180 people in England were still infected as of 2 November, so the risk level remains HIGH. It is too early to think of relaxing precautions, particularly as this is only an average for the whole nation and infection levels could easily be higher in your area.

Influenza (flu) continues to be a huge problem in England, with infection levels rising 38% in the last week of data (to 2 November). Remember, while influenza is not as infectious or dangerous as Covid, it is still a nasty virus to catch, and can have long-term health impacts too. The influenza vaccine is much more widely available than the Covid vaccine, and we recommend everyone entitled to a flu vaccine gets one as quickly as possible.

There has been a welcome fall in Covid infection levels in England. However, the risk level remains HIGH, and people should not even think of relaxing precautions. Around 1 in every 136 people in England were infected as of 26 October. Flu (influenza) levels in England are still rapidly increasing. The influenza vaccine is much more widely available than the Covid vaccine, and we recommend everyone entitled to a flu vaccine gets one as quickly as possible. Remember, influenza is also a serious illness.

Covid infection levels in England remain around the Very High level, although there has been a recent small decline. We continue to recommend taking maximum precautions against catching Covid, as around 1 in every 112 people in England were infected as of 19 October. Please ensure you get your Covid booster immediately if you are eligible or consider a private booster if not. People should also get their flu vaccine if available.

The Covid wave in England has reached Very High levels of risk, with around 1 in every 103 people in England infected as of 12 October. Now is the time to take maximum precautions against catching Covid. Please ensure you get your Covid booster immediately if you are eligible or consider a private booster if not. People should also get their flu vaccine if available.

The Covid wave in England continues to grow, with infection levels up 11% in the last week. The risk level is hovering just below Very High. If you do not wish to catch Covid, please take precautions now. Please also get your Covid booster if you are eligible, or consider whether you can afford to get one privately.

As of 5 October, around 1 in every 111 people in England were infected, and the risk of encountering an infected person in most indoor places remains High. Unless the indoor air is fresh, or filtered/purified, good quality PPE respiratory masks are needed to protect yourself. If you need any advice about this, please do ask.