Cold, flu, Covid: Why is everyone sick right now?

Original story by: BBC News Last updated: Oct 11, 2025

Context: The article discusses the current surge in respiratory illnesses, including common colds and COVID-19, attributing it to seasonal factors like colder weather and increased indoor activity. While many viruses are circulating, current levels are not exceptionally high, and for most healthy individuals, these infections are not proving more severe than usual.
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Detailed Summary:
- Current Situation: Respiratory viruses, particularly the common cold (Rhinovirus), are prevalent due to people returning to school and work, and spending more time indoors.
- Viruses in Circulation: Rhinovirus (common cold) is the most common cause of illness currently.
- COVID-19 is circulating, driven by new variants (XFG/Stratus and NB.1.8.1/Nimbus), but high population immunity generally leads to mild infections.
- Influenza (flu) may be on the rise, with an increase observed in the 15-25 age group, though levels are still low.
- RSV, which can be serious in young children, also tends to increase in autumn.