Brits say ‘why have I got lurgy in summer’ as nation hit by wave of illness

People are complaining that a ‘summer lurgy’ is sweeping the UK - and fear there’s been a summer surge of Covid. People have taken to social media to complain of coughs, sniffles, sore throats and headaches - and wonder how it can happen in a heatwave .

Google Trends has reported that over the past week, “can you get the flu in summer?” is a ‘breakout’ term, signifying a growth of over 5,000% in search interest. The NHS is under pressure this summer with high attendances in A&E caused probably by the weather which has brought an increase in existing conditions worsening.

During the May and June 2026 heat events the UK Health Security Agency reported an estimated total of 2,877 heat-associated deaths - already near the highest levels ever recorded for a whole year. Respiratory conditions are known to be worstened by the heat.

Heatwaves also cause people to be more exposed as air conditioning and staying indoors to get out the heat can caused increase spreading.

In California and America reports suggest the summer peak of Covid-19 is in fact higher now than the winter. Dr. Erica Pan, director of the California Department of Public Health said: ““Anyone who hasn’t received a 2025-26 dose, or is due for the second dose, is encouraged to get vaccinated now, before the next COVID-19 surge,”

“Disease is on the rise in California, where we’re seeing increasing cases, increasing test positivity, increasing in our wastewater. This is a good time, actually, to protect yourselves or your family,” Pan told The Times in an interview, “because we anticipate, based on the last couple of years at least, that this may be the larger peak than the winter.”

On social media people complained at the cold surge. One said: ”I have that ‘summer flu’ that everybody’s going on about and I can confirm that it’s definitely Covid.” Another added: “how does someone get nasopharyngitis in the summer? how is this even possible!! i’m dying from the heat and now i have to deal with this inflammation and the flu?"

One speculated: “I’m suspecting we’re in the midst of a summer surge. A suspicious number of colleagues had headaches that went on for days. I’m getting over a ear infection and a relative has shingles.”

Frosty said: “I’m sick of having the flu in the middle of summer lol”. River added: “Currently under the weather and praying I don’t have the flu …. Summer sickness is the absolute worst! Have a good night folks it’s cold meds and sleep for me.”

A Londoner posted on social media: “Me and all my friends have gotten individually ill in the last week. Seems there is some gross summer cold travelling around at the moment.