A doctor has warned you could catch 'double Covid' with a possibility of contracting the virus while you are still suffering the symptoms of an infection - and possibly picking up two strains at the same time. The latest figures from the UKHSA show an 11 per cent increase in lab-confirmed cases of Covid in the country, with 51 deaths in the week up to January 9 and more than 500 people in hospital with the virus.

GP Dr Nish Manek told the BBC it is possible to catch two Covid infections - and having long Covid won't make you immune.

She said: "Unfortunately, having long COVID doesn’t protect you from getting the virus again. Your body’s protection from a past infection or the vaccine fades over a few months. Plus, new versions of the virus, called variants (like Omicron’s KP.3 or XEC in 2025), can slip past your immune system.

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"This means that even if you’re still managing long COVID symptoms, you can catch COVID again and, in some cases, it might trigger a flare-up or slow down your recovery.

"A positive test could mean the same or a new variant, but either way, it’s still COVID."

Dr Manek said vaccines help lower the risk of serious infection, adding: "COVID is still with us and it continues to evolve. So, it’s worth continuing some of those protective habits, like testing if you feel unwell, wearing a mask in busy indoor spaces and keeping up with vaccinations."

As of January 2026, COVID-19 continues to evolve, with the NB.1.8.1 variant (often called the "Nimbus" variant) being one of the most common strains currently circulating in the UK.

Latest COVID-19 Symptoms

While many symptoms remain similar to previous Omicron waves, the current variants are frequently reported to cause upper respiratory issues that can feel like a severe cold or flu.

• "Razor-blade" Sore Throat: A very painful, sharp sore throat is one of the most distinguishing features of the current strains.




• Hoarse Voice: Often accompanied by swollen neck glands.




• Congestion: A blocked or runny nose and sneezing are highly common.




• Fatigue: Feeling unusually tired or "wiped out."




• Standard Symptoms: High temperature (fever), a new continuous cough, and body aches still occur frequently.




• Less Common Now: Loss of taste or smell is reported much less often than it was at the start of the pandemic.

Who should get a vaccine in the UK?

The UK has shifted toward a more targeted vaccination strategy, focusing on those at the highest risk of severe illness.

1. The Winter 2025/26 Programme (Ending Soon)

The current winter campaign is finishing. The last date to get this dose is 31 January 2026. You are eligible if you are:

• Aged 75 or over (or will turn 75 by 31 January 2026).




• A resident in a care home for older adults.




• Aged 6 months or older and immunosuppressed (e.g., due to cancer treatment, organ transplant, or certain long-term medications).

2. The Spring 2026 Programme (Upcoming)

The government has confirmed a Spring 2026 booster programme. Bookings typically open in late March, with vaccinations starting 13 April 2026. Eligibility remains the same:

• Adults aged 75 and over .




• Residents in care homes for older people .




• Anyone aged 6 months and over who is immunosuppressed .

How to get your vaccine

If you are eligible, you don't need to wait for an invitation. You can:

• Book online via the NHS website.




• Use the NHS App.




• Call 119 (free of charge).




• Find a walk-in pharmacy or clinic.