By Isabel Shaw

Copyright thescottishsun

IT’S coming up to that time of year again when everyone’s sick with something.

From endless sneezing and streaming noses to hacking coughs and high fevers, hardly anyone’s safe from the incoming wave of lurgies – including a new Covid variant.

Health chiefs are urging Brits to get vaccinated ahead of the onslaught of a “tripledemic” of serious viruses, as cases start to creep up.

The number of postive Covid tests in the UK have jumped from 7.6 per cent to 8.4 per cent in just a week, fresh data suggests.

The latest strain, dubbed Stratus, comes in two subvariants, XFG and XFG.3.

The latter has already become dominant in England, making up around 40 per cent of cases as of June, according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).

Doctors say the bug is more transmissible than earlier versions, but doesn’t cause more severe symptoms.

Unlike its predecessors, Stratus, it is often marked by a hoarse or raspy voice, a symptom that could easily be mistaken for laryngitis or a simple cold.

Flu has also inched up – from 1.1 per cent to 1.3 per cent.

Meanwhile, respiratory syncytial virus, is also expected to rise.

The bug, more commonly known as RSV, usually causes cold-like symptoms but can be dangerous for infants and older adults, sometimes leading to bronchiolitis or pneumonia.

“While this is to be expected at this time of year, now is the time for people to come forward for their winter vaccines if they’re eligible, before we start to see more of these viruses in circulation in the winter months,” Dr Jamie Lopez Bernal, from the UKHSA.

The NHS vaccine booking system is now open for people most at risk, including older adults, those with long-term health conditions, pregnant women and frontline health and social care staff to get their free flu and Covid jabs.

Pregnant women and millions of children have already been invited, with most other eligible groups able to book appointments from October 1.

RSV vaccines can also be booked online or through local GPs.

For the first time this year, toddlers are being offered a nasal spray flu vaccine at community pharmacies

Dr Jamie said: “Vaccination offers the best protection against flu, COVID-19 and RSV which is why it’s vital that eligible groups get vaccinated.”

He added that people with symptoms should try to stay away from others, especially those who are vulnerable. The main signs to watch for are:

A high temperature

Feeling tired

Aching muscles and joints

“If you have symptoms and need to leave the house, our advice remains that you should wear a face covering,” Dr Jamie said.

“Washing hands regularly and using and disposing tissues in bins can reduce the spread of respiratory illnesses.”