The UK is facing a tidal wave of flu cases with the H3N2 “subclade K” strain, with some hospitals already declaring critical incidents – but there are steps we can all take to avoid falling ill, particularly at Christmas
Woman sneezes as she lies ill with cold during the festive Christmas period.
Britons risk leaving themselves vulnerable to flu over the Christmas period, health experts have cautioned.
Medical leaders fear the UK could be facing its worst flu season on record – with some hospitals, including Queen Elizabeth near Selly Oak, Birmingham, already declaring critical incidents. A number of these hospitals have introduced face mask requirements and visitor restrictions.
However, experts are urging Britons to take preventative action to avoid requiring hospital treatment, as the number of hospital beds in England occupied by flu patients is already at unprecedented levels for this time of year.
Pharmacist Deborah Grayson said these measures include steering clear of crowded gatherings, such as busy shops, workplaces and festive celebrations.
Read more Everything you need to know about ‘K strain’ flu as illness wave rises
Whilst the flu vaccine is available, it requires 14 days to become fully effective, meaning those vaccinated today won’t be completely protected until approximately Christmas Eve.
The spike in cases has predominantly been caused by the H3N2 flu strain, known as subclade K, which underwent seven mutations over the summer and is thought to be more transmissible, reports the Mirror.
Ms Grayson, dubbed the “Godmother of Pharmacology” on TikTok, said: “If you have the jab today, don’t put yourself in harm’s way thinking you’re protected over the next fortnight because you’re not. Some people’s immune systems react more quickly than others, so you may have a degree of protection sooner than others, but full protection isn’t guaranteed.”
An expert from Wigan, Greater Manchester, has offered some advice on how Brits can bolster their immune systems and lessen their risk of catching the flu.
Nasal sprays, such as Vicks First Defence Nasal Spray (£8.35), could be a useful tool in preventing severe illness, according to Ms Grayson. She explained: “This is essentially a gloop – it’s a very thick liquid and when you squirt it up your nose it traps the virus and prevents it from entering the bloodstream.”
She added: “It coats the inside of your nose but it’s not going to provide 100 per cent protection as your nose is just one way for the virus to enter your body.
“When you get the first signs of cold or flu such as an itchy nose or scratchy throat, that’s the time to start using it. But I also think it’s worth using it if you’re likely to be exposed to the flu virus.
“If you’re working in a heavily populated workplace such as on a shop floor, or before going to a Christmas party, I’d use the spray beforehand to try to stop the virus entering your body.”
The pharmacist also emphasised the importance of maintaining healthy Vitamin D levels. She said: “Vitamin D and immunity are closely connected. When you’re deficient in vitamin D, your immune system becomes less effective-not only in fighting off illnesses like the flu, but also in supporting mood regulation and helping the body keep abnormal cells in check.
“We don’t obtain much vitamin D from food; most of it is produced through skin exposure to sunlight, and even in summer many people struggle to generate enough. During winter, the sun’s wavelength in the UK isn’t strong enough for the body to produce vitamin D at all, so levels often fall.
“NHS guidance recommends that everyone take at least 10 mcg of vitamin D over the winter months. But for those who are already deficient, this amount may be insufficient. The only reliable way to know your levels is to purchase a test-around £35-perform a finger-prick sample, and send it off for analysis. If you are found to be deficient, you may need a higher dose to restore healthy levels.”
Eating shellfish is another tip. Zinc, a mineral vital for cell division, metabolism and immune function, can play a crucial role in helping the body ward off colds and viruses, Ms Grayson explained.
“If you’re low in zinc, it can affect how effectively your immune system operates,” she added. However, the expert is less convinced about zinc nasal sprays, which claim to prevent viruses from attaching to nasal cells.
“I think they’re more of a gimmick. It’s far better to focus on your diet and increase your intake of zinc-rich foods.”
These include oysters, red meat, crab, lobster and prawns, as well as pumpkin, hemp and sesame seeds, all of which provide a valuable zinc boost.
And getting more sleep can also help. The festive season often brings with it late nights and alcohol-fuelled celebrations, but this can wreak havoc on our body’s ability to ward off illness.
Ms Grayson explained: “The biggest drain on the immune system is not getting enough sleep. If we don’t get enough sleep, our immune system is put under significant strain.
“Poor sleep is linked to higher rates of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and even cancer, because the sleep hormone melatonin plays a key role in keeping abnormal cells in check.
“When you’re partying hard, drinking alcohol, eating poorly, and then sleeping badly-often made worse by the alcohol-it all contributes to that overall burden on the body. I’m not saying you should have a joyless Christmas, but keep in mind it’s only a few days, not the entire month of December.”
Ms Grayson also recommends a combination of mushrooms, antioxidants and propolis – a natural antimicrobial and antibacterial substance created by bees.
“I’m a fan of Unbeelievable Health’s Bee Prepared Max Strength Immune Formula. It includes medicinal mushrooms, antioxidant-rich acerola cherry and astaxanthin, olive leaf extract, black elderberry, and beta-glucans – a type of soluble fibre known to support immune cell activity,” the expert added.
She recommends taking one daily as a preventative measure to “help support your immune system and protect you against common colds and viruses.”
Ms Grayson further advised to up the intake to twice daily if you start showing signs of a cold or flu. She added: “It helps your immune support mount the defence quicker and helps you shake it off.”
