How We at That's Christmas 365 Are Fighting Off the “Australian Superflu” (and How You Can Too)

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The couple behind That’s Christmas 365 (and our related blogs) have been properly knocked sideways by what the headlines have been calling the “Australian superflu”. 

We both had our flu jabs… and yet here we are: wiped out, sore, shivery, coughing, and wondering how something that feels so ordinary can also feel so utterly brutal.

If you’re in the same boat, this post is for you: a practical, UK-friendly guide to getting through flu sensibly, safely, and with the least misery possible.

First: what is this “Australian superflu”, really?

“Superflu” isn’t a medical term — it’s a media nickname for a fast-spreading variant of influenza A (H3N2) that’s been getting attention internationally, including strains described as emerging strongly in Australia and then showing up widely elsewhere. The World Health Organization has noted increased detections of H3N2 “subclade K” viruses in multiple countries. 

In the UK, UKHSA has been publishing seasonal surveillance updates through the 2025–26 season, and they’ve also explained something important: flu vaccines are mainly about reducing severe illness (like hospitalisation), not guaranteeing you won’t catch flu at all.

So yes — you can be vaccinated and still get flu. It’s miserable, but it isn’t a sign you “did it wrong”.

The goal: recover well, reduce risk, and avoid complications

Think of flu recovery as three priorities:

Support your body while it clears the virus

Watch for warning signs that mean you need medical advice

Reduce spread (especially to vulnerable people)

Let’s do those properly.

1) Home care that actually helps

Rest like it’s your job

Flu is not a “push through it” illness. If you try to power on, it often drags on and bites back. Proper rest isn’t laziness — it’s treatment.

Try:

Sleep whenever you can

Keep activity gentle (even showering can feel like a marathon)

Don’t rush back to normal just because you feel 20% better

Hydration: small and often

Flu dehydrates you through fever, sweating, faster breathing, and “can’t be bothered to drink”.

Easy wins:

Water, squash, warm tea, broth

Ice lollies if you can’t face drinks

Little sips frequently if you feel nauseous

Fever, aches, and that “hit by a bus” feeling

For most adults, typical over-the-counter options can help with comfort:

Paracetamol for fever/aches

Ibuprofen can also help some people (if you can take it)

Use medicines exactly as labelled, and avoid doubling up products that contain the same ingredients.

Sore throat and cough comfort

Flu coughs can be rough and relentless.

Comfort measures:

Warm drinks (tea, lemon, warm water)

Lozenges

Saline nasal spray (especially if post-nasal drip is driving cough)

Honey-based drinks can soothe throats (not suitable for babies under 1 year)

If your cough is keeping you from sleeping, a pharmacist can advise on symptom relief options that are appropriate for you.

Steam and air: don’t overcomplicate it

Dry air can make everything feel worse.

Try:

A bowl of hot water in the room (kept safely out of reach)

A humidifier if you already have one. Or check out Amazon https://amzn.to/4jt6C7s.

Ventilation (brief fresh air changes can help your comfort and reduce spread)

Eat what you can manage

You don’t need “superfoods”. You need calories and fluids.

Gentle options:

Soup, toast, bananas, yoghurt, rice, porridge

Little portions more often

2) When to seek help (this bit matters)

Flu can turn into something more serious, especially for older adults, pregnant people, people with chronic conditions, or anyone immunocompromised.

Get urgent medical advice (NHS 111 / urgent care) if you notice:

Breathing is difficult, very fast, or painful

Chest pain or pressure

You can’t keep fluids down, or you’re barely passing urine

Confusion, extreme drowsiness, or you’re getting worse after seeming to improve

High fever that isn’t settling, or symptoms are rapidly worsening

If it feels “not right”, trust that instinct.

3) Antivirals: worth knowing about (especially if you’re at higher risk)

There are prescription antivirals that can reduce the risk of complications for eligible people — but timing matters. In general, they’re most useful when started early.

In the UK, oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and zanamivir are recognised options for treatment and prophylaxis in certain circumstances. Guidance and prescribing rules have been updated and discussed in NHS/UKHSA-linked resources. 

If you (or someone in your household) is in a higher-risk group and you suspect flu, it’s worth contacting NHS 111 or your GP promptly to ask what’s appropriate.

4) “But we had the flu jab…” — why it can still happen

This is the part we really want to emphasise, because it’s easy to feel disheartened.

UKHSA’s messaging is clear: the flu vaccine typically reduces the risk of severe outcomes, even when it doesn’t fully prevent infection — and effectiveness can vary by strain and by season. 

So even if you’re ill (like we are), the jab may still be doing important behind-the-scenes work: lowering the chance of complications, hospital admission, or a longer recovery.

5) Reduce spread without turning your house into a hazmat zone

If one of you is ill and the other is trying desperately not to join them:

Handwashing (properly, with soap)

Don’t share towels, mugs, or cutlery

Wipe high-touch surfaces (door handles, remotes, phones)

Ventilate rooms (short, regular fresh-air changes)

Consider a mask if you’re caring for someone vulnerable or you have to be close-up

Our very unglamorous recovery plan

Right now, our approach is:

Rest, even when we’re bored of resting

Fluids, little and often

Simple food

Symptom relief for aches/fever

No heroics (the blogs will still be here when we’re better)

And if anything shifts into “this is worsening, not improving”, we won’t hesitate to get medical advice.

A gentle reminder from us at That’s Christmas 365

If you’re reading this while ill: you’re not failing. Flu can flatten the best of us — and this season’s strains have been widely discussed for their ability to spread quickly. 

Take it seriously, take care of yourself, and let recovery be the plan.