Two thirds of people in the UK expect to catch a cold or flu after recent Christmas and New Year parties and more than half are concerned about catching serious illnesses including norovirus and coronavirus, new research has revealed. The findings come as the latest NHS figures show hospitals across the UK are managing record levels of serious flu as winter continues, with a 350% increase in flu cases and an 86% rise in norovirus cases in hospital compared to 2023 figures – alongside increased fears about rising COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus levels in hospitals.
Despite rising illness levels, concerningly a third said they would still go into the office if they presented Covid-19 symptoms – including a continuous cough, shortness of breath and a high temperature. With the return to work and a new school term looming, so too does the worry of catching a seasonal illness. Almost half said they expect to catch a cold from work colleagues and 41% expect to catch an illness on their commute to work.
There are similar levels of anxiety around young people returning to school or university, with 69% of Brits thinking they’re most likely to catch a seasonal illness from their close family or children, and three quarters thinking schools and universities are a hotbed for winter illnesses.
Diet expert and public health nutritionist Dr Frankie Phillips, said: “It is no surprise there is growing concern around severe winter illnesses across the UK as we head back to work and school following the festive break. However, this new research shows that many are unaware what vitamins and minerals are needed to support the immune system and protect children, teens and adults from seasonal illness including Covid-19 and norovirus.
“As a nutritionist, here are three ways I fuel my body and beat the dreaded lurgy:
- Increase your Vitamin C Intake with Orange Juice: Vitamin C is a key antioxidant your body needs to protect immune cells. Just one 150ml glass of pure orange juice provides more than 80% of your daily vitamin C recommendation and contributes one of your 5-a-day.
- Get Fishy with Vitamin D: Vitamin D helps to regulate immune cells within your body. Having one serving of oily fish weekly provides a key source of vitamin D, as well as omega-3 fats which contribute towards a health heart. On top of this, everyone should be taking a daily vitamin D supplement to make up for the lack of sunlight in the winter months.
- Weave Zinc Into Your Diet with Legumes: Zinc helps the immune system fight off harmful bacteria and viruses. An easy way to weave Zinc into your everyday diet is to increase your intake of legumes – including chickpeas, lentils and beans. Seeds, nuts, and whole grains are also rich in Zinc, and can be easily added to breakfast and lunch dishes.
Dr Phillips added: “By incorporating these simple tips and nutrients into your daily diet, you can help your body’s natural defences stay robust and reduce the likelihood of succumbing to seasonal illness, and infecting others around you.”