Expert reveals why everyone has a cough and a blocked nose right now

Coughs, sneezes and sniffles are starting to soundtrack the day-to-day

Yes, along with the smell of pumpkin spice and the sound of fireworks, this time of year usually means you'll start hearing a few more sniffs and sneezes, whether this is at home, school or the office.

Some of you may feel like there's been no let-up from illness this year though, with this summer having seen a spike in colds, flu and Covid across the country.

This trend has continued into September, with UK government data showing that rhinovirus infections - a type of common cold - jumped in the week up to September 22. The number of hospital patients testing positive for the virus rose to 14 per cent, up from 10.6 per cent, which is the highest increase since December 2023.

Meanwhile, Covid cases rose by 30 per cent as the new XEC strain of the virus spreads. The most up-to-date data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) shows that in the week up to September 18 there were 2,213 recorded cases of Covid in England, up by 530 compared to the week before.

Whilst this new strain is expected to become the dominant variant of Covid in the UK, there is no evidence that it is any more dangerous than previous strains, and the vaccine still offers good protection against it.

Speaking to the i about the illnesses and sniffles sweeping the UK, Professor Lawrence Young said the country was dealing with a "double whammy of infections."

The virologist from Warwick University, said: "There are a lot of people suffering from runny noses and coughs at the moment. This is due to a double whammy of infections with the common cold virus (rhinovirus) and with the Covid virus."

He explained this is only likely to get worse with cold weather and large gatherings such as university fresher's weeks.

Prof Young recommended people avoid crowded and poorly-ventilated spaces and wear a face mask if they are worried about contracting any illness.

The UKHSA has urged those eligible to get vaccinated against the flu and Covid viruses.

You can get a flu vaccine free on the NHS if you:

• are aged 65 or over (including those who will be 65 by 31 March 2025)
• have certain long-term health conditions
• are pregnant
• live in a care home
• are the main carer for an older or disabled person, or receive a carer's allowance
• live with someone who has a weakened immune system

Frontline health and social care workers can also get a flu vaccine through their employer.Health conditions that mean you're eligible for the flu vaccine