Health and Me

Itisha Arya

Double Covid Surging Across UK, Doctor Urges Immediate Vaccination

double covid vaccination

A GP has warned that people can catch Covid more than once in a short span, including while they are still unwell from a previous infection. In some cases, this may even involve picking up two strains of the virus at the same time, a situation doctors are calling “double Covid”.

<h2>Doctor Warns of ‘<span rel="noindex">Double Covid</span>’ as UK Cases Rise</h2>

New figures from the UK Health Security Agency show confirmed Covid cases have risen by 11 per cent. In the week leading up to January 9, 51 deaths were recorded and more than 500 people were in hospital with the virus.

<h2>Can You Catch Covid Twice at the Same Time?</h2>

Speaking to the BBC, GP Dr Nish Manek said it is possible to be infected again while still dealing with ongoing symptoms, including long Covid. She explained that having long Covid does not provide immunity against reinfection.

According to Dr Manek, protection from a previous infection or vaccination reduces over time. New variants are also better at evading the immune system, making repeat infections more likely.

<h2>Why Long Covid Does Not Protect You</h2>Dr Manek said immunity can fade within months, leaving people vulnerable. New strains of the virus, including recent Omicron-related variants circulating in 2025, are able to bypass existing immune defences.

As a result, someone managing long Covid symptoms may still catch Covid again. A fresh infection can trigger a relapse of symptoms or slow down recovery.

She added that a positive test may reflect either the same strain or a new variant. In both cases, it is still Covid and should be taken seriously.

<h2>Vaccines Still Reduce Severe Illness</h2>

Dr Manek stressed that vaccination remains important. While vaccines may not fully prevent infection, they significantly reduce the risk of severe illness and hospitalisation.

She said Covid continues to change and remains present in the community. Simple protective steps still matter, including testing when unwell, wearing masks in crowded indoor settings, and staying up to date with vaccinations.

<h2>Which Covid Variants Are Circulating Now</h2>As of January 2026, Covid continues to evolve in the UK. One of the most common strains currently in circulation is NB.1.8.1, often referred to as the Nimbus variant.

<h2>Latest Covid Symptoms to Watch For</h2>

Doctors say symptoms linked to current variants often affect the upper respiratory tract and can feel similar to a bad cold or flu.

Commonly reported symptoms include a very painful sore throat described as feeling like razor blades, a hoarse voice with swollen glands, blocked or runny nose, sneezing, and extreme tiredness. Fever, a persistent cough, and body aches are still widely seen.

Loss of taste or smell is now reported far less often than during the early stages of the pandemic.

<h2>Who Is Eligible for a Covid Vaccine in the UK</h2>

The UK has moved to a targeted vaccination approach, focusing on those most at risk of serious illness.

The current winter vaccination programme is coming to an end. The final date to receive this dose is January 31, 2026. You are eligible if you are aged 75 or over, live in a care home for older adults, or are aged six months or older and immunosuppressed due to medical treatment or long-term conditions.

A spring booster programme has been confirmed for 2026. Appointments are expected to open in late March, with vaccinations starting from April 13. Eligibility criteria remain the same as the winter programme.

<h2>How To Book Your Covid Vaccine?</h2>Eligible individuals do not need to wait for an invitation. Vaccinations can be booked online through the NHS website, via the NHS App, by calling 119 for free, or by visiting a walk-in pharmacy or clinic.

Doctors continue to urge those eligible to get vaccinated while doses are still available.

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A GP has warned that people can catch Covid more than once in a short span, including while they are still unwell from a previous infection. In some cases, this may even involve picking up two strains of the virus at the same time, a situation doctors are calling “double Covid”.Doctor Warns of ‘Double Covid’ as UK Cases RiseNew figures from the UK Health Security Agency show confirmed Covid cases have risen by 11 per cent. In the week leading up to January 9, 51 deaths were recorded and more than 500 people were in hospital with the virus.Can You Catch Covid Twice at the Same Time?Speaking to the BBC, GP Dr Nish Manek said it is possible to be infected again while still dealing with ongoing symptoms, including long Covid. She explained that having long Covid does not provide immunity against reinfection.According to Dr Manek, protection from a previous infection or vaccination reduces over time. New variants are also better at evading the immune system, making repeat infections more likely.Why Long Covid Does Not Protect YouDr Manek said immunity can fade within months, leaving people vulnerable. New strains of the virus, including recent Omicron-related variants circulating in 2025, are able to bypass existing immune defences.As a result, someone managing long Covid symptoms may still catch Covid again. A fresh infection can trigger a relapse of symptoms or slow down recovery.She added that a positive test may reflect either the same strain or a new variant. In both cases, it is still Covid and should be taken seriously.Vaccines Still Reduce Severe IllnessDr Manek stressed that vaccination remains important. While vaccines may not fully prevent infection, they significantly reduce the risk of severe illness and hospitalisation.She said Covid continues to change and remains present in the community. Simple protective steps still matter, including testing when unwell, wearing masks in crowded indoor settings, and staying up to date with vaccinations.Which Covid Variants Are Circulating NowAs of January 2026, Covid continues to evolve in the UK. One of the most common strains currently in circulation is NB.1.8.1, often referred to as the Nimbus variant.Latest Covid Symptoms to Watch ForDoctors say symptoms linked to current variants often affect the upper respiratory tract and can feel similar to a bad cold or flu.Commonly reported symptoms include a very painful sore throat described as feeling like razor blades, a hoarse voice with swollen glands, blocked or runny nose, sneezing, and extreme tiredness. Fever, a persistent cough, and body aches are still widely seen.Loss of taste or smell is now reported far less often than during the early stages of the pandemic.Who Is Eligible for a Covid Vaccine in the UKThe UK has moved to a targeted vaccination approach, focusing on those most at risk of serious illness.The current winter vaccination programme is coming to an end. The final date to receive this dose is January 31, 2026. You are eligible if you are aged 75 or over, live in a care home for older adults, or are aged six months or older and immunosuppressed due to medical treatment or long-term conditions.A spring booster programme has been confirmed for 2026. Appointments are expected to open in late March, with vaccinations starting from April 13. Eligibility criteria remain the same as the winter programme.How To Book Your Covid Vaccine?Eligible individuals do not need to wait for an invitation. Vaccinations can be booked online through the NHS website, via the NHS App, by calling 119 for free, or by visiting a walk-in pharmacy or clinic.Doctors continue to urge those eligible to get vaccinated while doses are still available.