www.gov.uk
National flu and COVID-19 surveillance report: 15 October 2026 (week 42)
This report summarises the information from the surveillance systems which are used to monitor COVID-19 (caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 or SARS-CoV-2), influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and diseases caused by other seasonal respiratory viruses in England. The report is based on data up to week 41 of 2026 between 5 October and 11 October 2026. Main points The main messages of this report are: influenza activity remained stable and is circulating at baseline levels – some indicators showed decreased activity among young adults COVID-19 activity showed mixed trends and is circulating at low levels respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) activity increased and is circulating at baseline levels Summary of all respiratory virus activity Influenza activity Influenza activity remained stable and is circulating at baseline levels, some indicators showed decreased activity among young adults. Emergency department (ED) attendances for influenza-like-illness (ILI) remained stable and above seasonally expected levels. The number of influenza-confirmed acute respiratory infection (ARI) incidents in the community decreased compared with the previous week. Weekly influenza vaccine uptake for the 2026 to 2027 season was reported for the first time in the week 41 report. Some pharmacy vaccination data remained unavailable or incomplete at the time...
