In the run-up to Christmas, trying not to get ill is an extreme sport.
A mere sniffle from a stranger is enough to strike fear into our hearts, while a cough is definitely reason to be ousted from those festive drinks.
And the ‘super flu’ isn’t helping matters, a subtype of the illness that’s been around for a while (since 1968, to be precise), but has dominated cases this winter. It’s a term that’s been used to describe a particularly severe case of flu, one that’s left many in bed for days on end.
Health professionals are on high alert too, as 60,000 more healthcare workers had flu jabs this year than in 2024, according to NHS England.
But during a time that is notoriously busy for the NHS, how do you know when to grin and bear it — and when to seek help?
One leading doctor has issued advice on when to speak to your GP about your symptoms.
The symptoms to watch out for if you’ve got the flu
Dr Iain Morrison, chairman of the BMA’s Scottish general practice committee, explains that the flu, which arrived earlier this year, forms part of a new strain, which is causing more cases of ‘significant illness’ than seen in previous years.
The main symptom that should prompt you to call the doctor? Feeling tight-chested to the point that you’re struggling to complete even the most basic of tasks, including climbing the stairs. The same applies if you’re even forming sentences become tough.
The GP says: ‘That’s a sign that you’re really struggling with your oxygen levels, and if that’s not usual for you, then you need to get attention.’
If you’re also dealing with ‘significant’ chest pain, he’s advised getting checked. While Dr Iain does say that it’s ‘normal’ to have a bit of muscle ache, if it’s ‘severe and unremitting, then you need to get checked out.’
And the third symptom? Vomiting and diarrhoea. ‘It’s very common, and most will settle within a sort of 24 to 40-hour period, but if it’s so bad that you’re struggling to form any urine, then that is when you need to get yourself checked,’ he adds.
He’s asked that people use services ‘sensibly,’ urging the importance of being patient with staff because, well, ‘they’re all trying their hardest to get through as many people as they can.’
He says: ‘Please be aware that at this time lots of the health services are suffering from staff shortages due to illness, which can lead to more waits and more difficulties with access.
‘We’re all in this together, and only by working together we’ll get through it.’
How to cope if you’ve got the flu
The regular advice for those suffering from flu involves getting plenty of rest, regularly taking paracetamol (or ibuprofen, if you’ve got strong muscle aches), and consuming plenty of fluids, particularly if you’re struggling with a bit of tummy trouble.
Dr Iain added that wearing a face mask only reduces your risk of contracting the flu by a ‘small amount,’ but noted that ‘they can greatly reduce the chances of people with the virus passing it on.’
‘Face masks reduce your chance a little of contracting the virus, but they significantly reduce the chance of you transmitting the virus,’ he concluded.
‘It’s very helpful to those around you to wear one if you have symptoms.’
How long does flu take to incubate?
According to the Superdrug Health Clinic website, the incubation period for flu is between one and four days. So, it’s safe to say that symptoms can come on pretty quickly.
It adds that the most severe symptoms typically last for between two and three days, and they’ll usually stick around for up to seven days. Along these lines, you should make a full recovery within two weeks, but if you’re still struggling beyond that, you should absolutely seek medical help.
How long is flu contagious in adults?
If you do have the flu, you could be contagious for over a week, starting from the day before your symptoms show up.
The NHS website states: ‘You can spread flu from one day before your symptoms start and for a further three to seven days.
‘Children and people with lowered immune systems may be contagious for a few days longer.’
The health service also adds that ‘you’re more likely to give it to others in the first five days’ on its website – but either way, it’s key to follow guidance on stopping the spread.
Flu germs spread through coughs and sneezes, so keep some tissues on hand for catching them, and keep your mouth and nose covered.
How to avoid getting ill before Christmas amid UK’s ‘super flu’ surge
But if you’re desperate to try and avoid getting sick ahead of Christmas, there are a few steps you can take to reduce the risk, according to a doctor.
Dr Suzanne Wylie, a GP and medical advisor for IQdoctor, previously shared five top tips with Metro that she claimed could make a ‘meaningful difference’ to your health.
- Vitamins, vitamins, vitamins
- Avoid alcohol
- Get a flu jab
- Wear a mask
- Practise good Tube hygiene.
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