Reason why everyone in the UK is so ill right now

It seems just about everyone right now has been hit with a lurgy doing its rounds at the moment.

People up and down the UK have been hit with a number of symptoms as of recent, and the bug doesn't seem to be going away anytime soon.

In fact, Brits now have three highly contagious illnesses circulating about; COVID, the flu, and the norovirus.

But what's the difference between the three illnesses that everyone seems to be affected by right now?

Why is everyone in the UK so ill at the mo? (SimpleImages/Getty Images)

COVID-19

Now, coronavirus is very much so still going around, with the NHS stating that most people infected with it will experience 'mild to moderate respiratory illness' and recover without requiring special treatment.

Symptoms can include; a high temperature or shivering (chills), a new, continuous cough, a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste, shortness of breath, and headaches.

"For most people, their condition generally improves within a few days or weeks after the onset of initial COVID-19 symptoms," the NHS adds.

However, for certain vulnerable people, COVID-19 can lead to a 'more severe illness' and their symptoms may persist for an extended duration.

Dr Jamie Lopez Bernal, Consultant Epidemiologist at UKHSA, stated: "COVID-19 is continuing to circulate, with a slight increase in hospitalisations over the past two weeks."

COVID-19, influenza and the norovirus are making their rounds (Roos Koole/Getty Images)

Influenza

Now influenza, or the flu, can also be highly contagious.

Main symptoms of the common infectious viral illness include; a raised temperature, tiredness and general exhaustion, headaches, and general aches and pains.

Doctors recommend drinking plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration, rest at home ,and keep warm.

"As winter approaches, we expect flu and RSV to increasingly circulate too, so if you're eligible to get vaccinated against the three main winter threats – COVID-19, flu and RSV – now is the time to take them up and get winter strong," Dr Bernal added.

Experts have shared their advice when it comes to handling one of the three illnesses (svetikd / Getty Images)

Norovirus

In an official monthly report which covered the two-week period between 23 September to 6 October this year, it was found that norovirus activity has 'remained high in recent weeks' and has also 'started to increase in recent weeks'.

Dubbed the 'winter vomiting disease', the norovirus is also highly contagious and can be spread very easily through water, food, air, and direct and indirect contact.

Symptoms include; vomiting, projectile vomiting, diarrhoea, and raised temperatures.

While there's no specific treatment for norovirus, those experiencing symptoms should likewise drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration.

Boots' Superintendent pharmacist, Claire Nevinson, warned parents: "I always recommend encouraging your children to practice good personal hygiene, including regular hand washing with soap and warm water.

"This helps to remove dirt, viruses, and bacteria from hands and helps prevent a virus being transferred to surfaces, other people and objects, which can spread illnesses such as a cold, flu or norovirus infection."