Christmas Didn’t Happen? How to Reclaim It After the Flu

From the married couple behind That’s Christmas 365.

If the flu bug swept through your home and wiped out Christmas plans entirely, you’re not alone. 

For many people, December became a blur of tissues, thermometers and cancelled arrangements rather than roast dinners and crackers. 

The good news? Christmas doesn’t expire on 25 December. If it was lost to illness, you are absolutely entitled to have it later — properly, joyfully, and without guilt.

Here’s how to stage a late Christmas celebration and feast that feels just as special (and sometimes even better).

First Things First: Let Go of the Guilt

There’s often a strange pressure to “move on” once Christmas Day has passed, as though missing it means it’s gone for good. It isn’t.

Christmas is a feeling, not a date.

If illness took it away, reclaiming it later is not indulgent — it’s restorative.

You didn’t cancel Christmas.

You postponed it.

Choose Your New Christmas Day

Start by picking a date that works for your recovery and energy levels.

A quiet weekend in January or February

A midweek day when the house is calm

A day when everyone involved is finally well enough to enjoy it

Give it a name if it helps:

“Our Christmas Day”

“Second Christmas”

“The Christmas We Deserved”

Putting it in the diary makes it real.

Decorate (Yes, Really!)

If you took the decorations down while unwell, or didn't get round to putting them up, put some back up — even if it’s just a few.

Ideas that work beautifully for a late Christmas:

A small tree or tabletop tree

Fairy lights around the living room

Candles, pinecones, and greenery

Christmas crockery or table linens

You don’t need the full house transformation — just enough to change the atmosphere.

Plan a Feast That Fits Your Recovery

A late Christmas meal doesn’t have to be exhausting or elaborate unless you want it to be.

Low-stress Christmas feast ideas:

A scaled-down roast (chicken instead of turkey, or a joint that cooks quickly)

One-pan or traybake Christmas dinners

Slow cooker mains that do the work for you

Order from a butcher or deli and focus on sides

And remember: Christmas food isn’t defined by size or tradition.

If your “Christmas dinner” is beef stew, a vegetarian pie, or even a festive takeaway — it still counts.

Bring Back the Rituals You Missed

This is where a late Christmas can be surprisingly emotional — in the best way.

Recreate the moments you lost:

Pull crackers and wear the paper hats

Watch your traditional Christmas film

Read cards that never got opened

Play the music you associate with Christmas Day

Light the candles and sit quietly together

If Christmas was stolen by illness, these rituals help give it back.

Exchange the Presents (Properly)

If gifts were hurriedly opened, unopened, or ignored because everyone felt dreadful, do it again.

Rewrap presents if you like

Put them under a tree or on the table

Take turns opening them slowly

Make it an event, not a formality

The joy isn’t in the object — it’s in the moment you missed.

Keep It Small — or Make It Special

Late Christmas works just as well quietly as it does socially.

A couple reclaiming a lost day

A household finally well enough to gather

A delayed family visit when everyone is healthy

There’s no rulebook.

In fact, many people find a smaller, calmer Christmas far more meaningful.

Be Kind to Yourself About What Was Lost

It’s OK to feel sad about the Christmas you didn’t have. Illness doesn’t just take your health — it takes experiences too.

A late Christmas won’t erase that loss, but it does create a new memory:

One where you chose rest over pressure

One where recovery came first

One where Christmas waited patiently for you

That’s a powerful thing.

Christmas Is Still Yours

At That’s Christmas 365, we believe Christmas isn’t confined to one day, one week, or even one season. If the flu took Christmas away from you, you are allowed — encouraged, even — to take it back.

Light the lights again.

Cook the food.

Play the music.

Sit together and breathe.

Christmas didn’t go anywhere.

It was just waiting for you to feel better. 

If You’re Trapped at Home With the Flu, Amazon Prime Is a Godsend

There are few things more miserable than being stuck at home with the flu. 

Your head is pounding, your throat feels like sandpaper, and even the idea of popping out to the shops feels wildly optimistic. 

It’s in moments like these that modern conveniences stop feeling like luxuries and start feeling like genuine lifelines.

Enter Amazon Prime.

When Leaving the House Just Isn’t an Option

Flu has a way of stripping life back to its bare essentials. You need rest, fluids, warmth, and ideally not to infect half the neighbourhood by dragging yourself to a chemist. Amazon Prime removes that pressure completely. With a few taps, essentials can be on their way to your front door, often by the very next day.

From paracetamol and throat lozenges to tissues, hand sanitiser, and even humidifiers, it means you can focus on recovery rather than logistics.

Comfort on Demand

When you’re ill, comfort becomes currency. Prime’s huge catalogue of films, box sets, documentaries and gentle background TV is invaluable when concentration is low but silence feels oppressive. 

Whether it’s a familiar sitcom you’ve watched a dozen times or a cosy film you can half-doze through, having endless options without needing to think is a quiet blessing.

Audiobooks and podcasts are another unsung hero—perfect for resting your eyes while keeping your mind lightly occupied.

Food, Drinks, and the Little Things You Forgot

Flu has a habit of striking just after the fridge has emptied or the teabags have run out. Prime’s grocery options, cupboard staples, herbal teas, honey, soups, isotonic drinks and even indulgent comfort snacks can all be delivered without you having to brave the cold.

That moment when the doorbell rings and you realise you don’t have to go without a single thing you need? That’s real relief.

No Guilt, No Pressure

Perhaps the greatest gift Amazon Prime offers when you’re ill is permission to stop. No last-minute dashes to the shops. No favours to call in. No guilt about “just pushing through”. Everything arrives quietly, efficiently, and on your terms.

When you’re poorly, that sense of being looked after—even by a service—is surprisingly powerful.

A Modern Sick-Day Essential

Being ill is never pleasant, but being ill at home no longer has to mean being uncomfortable or unprepared. Amazon Prime turns a flu-ridden house into a place of rest, warmth, and quiet convenience.

When your only real job is to get better, having the world come to you isn’t indulgent—it’s sensible.

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

Posed by models

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.

Even If You’ve Had the Flu Jab: A Winter Warning About This Year’s Severe Flu

For many of us, having the flu vaccination feels like ticking an important winter health box. 

You do the sensible thing, protect yourself and others, and expect that if flu does strike, it will at least be mild.

This winter, that expectation has not always been met.

Despite vaccination, a significant number of people across the UK are still contracting an unusually aggressive strain of influenza, often referred to in everyday language as “super flu”. My wife and I both caught it while attending a funeral shortly before Christmas. 

I have been unwell, but my wife has been particularly badly affected, with symptoms that have lingered and hit far harder than a typical seasonal illness.

This experience has prompted us to share a warning, not to discourage vaccination, but to encourage realistic expectations, vigilance, and early self-care.

Are This Year’s Flu Vaccines “Not Working”?

It’s important to be clear and factual.

Flu vaccines are not failing outright, but this season they appear to be less effective at preventing infection for some people. This can happen when:

Circulating flu strains mutate after vaccines are produced

Multiple influenza strains circulate at once

Individual immune responses vary

Protection reduces over time, particularly in winter peaks

Vaccination still reduces the risk of hospitalisation, pneumonia, and death, which is why the NHS continues to recommend it, especially for older adults, carers, and those with underlying conditions.

However, this year has shown clearly that being vaccinated does not guarantee you won’t get flu — or that it will be mild.

How This “Super Flu” Is Presenting

Many people report symptoms that are stronger, longer-lasting, and more debilitating than a standard cold or flu, including:

Severe exhaustion that doesn’t lift with rest

Persistent chesty or dry cough

High fever and chills lasting several days

Headaches and muscle pain

Loss of appetite and nausea

Chest tightness or breathlessness

Lingering weakness well into recovery

For some, symptoms are lasting two to three weeks, even in otherwise healthy adults.

What You Can Do at Home If You Catch It

If symptoms are manageable and you’re not in a high-risk group, home care is often appropriate — but it needs to be taken seriously.

1. Rest Properly (Not “Pushing Through”)

This is not a flu to power through. Rest is not optional.

Stay in bed or on the sofa

Avoid physical exertion

Reduce screen time if headaches worsen

Returning to normal activity too soon can prolong recovery.

2. Hydration Is Critical

Flu dehydrates you quickly.

Sip water regularly

Warm drinks can ease coughing

Oral rehydration drinks can help if appetite is low

Dark urine or dizziness are signs you’re not drinking enough.

3. Fever and Pain Relief

Paracetamol can help reduce fever and aches

Ibuprofen may help with inflammation if suitable for you

Avoid combining medicines unnecessarily

Always follow UK dosage guidance.

4. Ease Chest and Breathing Symptoms

Steam inhalation or warm showers may ease congestion

Keep rooms well-ventilated but warm

Sleep slightly propped up if coughing worsens at night

If breathing becomes laboured or painful, seek medical advice immediately.

5. Support the Immune System

While not cures, the following may help recovery:

Light, nourishing foods (soups, broths)

Honey and lemon or orange for sore throats (not for children under one)

Adequate vitamin intake through diet

Avoid alcohol — it can worsen dehydration and fatigue.

When to Seek Medical Help

Do not rely solely on home care if any of the following occur:

Difficulty breathing or chest pain

Fever lasting more than 5 days

Blue lips or extreme drowsiness

Confusion or collapse

Symptoms worsening after initial improvement

Contact NHS 111, your GP, or emergency services as appropriate.

A Final Word of Caution

This winter’s flu is not something to dismiss as “just a bad cold” — even if you’ve done everything right and had your jab.

Vaccination still matters. Hygiene still matters. But listening to your body, resting properly, and acting early matter just as much.

If you’re attending gatherings, funerals, or crowded indoor events, be aware that flu is circulating widely — and hitting harder than many expect.

Please take care of yourselves — and each other.

Had Your Flu Jab but Still Feel Ill? Why Flu-Like Symptoms Can Appear Weeks Later at Christmas

Had the flu vaccine but still feel unwell weeks later? Here’s why flu-like symptoms can happen at Christmas, and what to do next.

Had Your Flu Jab but Still Feel Ill? Why It Can Still Happen at Christmas

You’ve done the sensible thing.

You booked your flu vaccination, rolled up your sleeve, and ticked off an important pre-Christmas health task.

So why, several weeks later, are you sitting there with a headache, sore throat, aching limbs, and that heavy, drained feeling that makes even putting the kettle on feel like a chore?

It’s a surprisingly common question at this time of year, and thankfully, there are some reassuring answers.

First Things First: The Flu Vaccine Can’t Give You Flu

One of the biggest myths that resurfaces every winter is the idea that the flu jab causes flu.

It doesn’t.

The standard flu vaccine used in the UK contains inactivated virus, meaning it cannot cause influenza. Feeling unwell weeks later is not the vaccine “kicking in” or “wearing off”.

Timing Is Everything

After vaccination, your immune system needs time to build protection. This usually takes around 10 to 14 days.

If you were exposed to a virus:

shortly before your jab

during that two-week window

or later in the season when virus levels are high

you can still become ill, even though you’ve been vaccinated.

It May Not Be Flu at All

Christmas is peak season for many circulating viruses, not just influenza.

Symptoms such as:

headache

sore throat

fatigue and general malaise

mild fever or chills

can be caused by:

common cold viruses

RSV

adenoviruses

COVID-19

Many of these illnesses feel very similar to flu, especially in the early stages.

The Flu Jab Isn’t a Magic Shield. But It Still Matters

Even in a good year, the flu vaccine isn’t 100% effective. What it does do extremely well is reduce:

the severity of illness

the risk of complications

hospital admissions

recovery time

So if you do catch flu after vaccination, it’s usually milder and shorter-lived than it would have been otherwise, something especially important during the already demanding Christmas period.

Why Christmas Makes It Worse

Let’s be honest, December is not kind to our immune systems.

Between:

busy schedules

disrupted sleep

cold weather

crowded shops and public transport

rich food and extra alcohol

emotional stress and financial pressure

our bodies are often running on empty just when viruses are at their most active.

That’s why even a relatively mild infection can feel disproportionately draining at Christmas.

What You Can Do If You’re Feeling Ill Now

If your symptoms are manageable, supportive care is usually enough:

Rest properly Christmas can wait

Drink plenty of fluids, especially warm drinks

Paracetamol or ibuprofen for aches and headaches (if suitable for you)

Lozenges or honey for a sore throat

Take a COVID test if you have access to one

Avoid pushing through “for the sake of Christmas” — that often prolongs recovery.

When to Seek Medical Advice

Contact your GP or NHS 111 if:

symptoms last longer than 7–10 days

you develop a high or persistent fever

you feel short of breath or dizzy

fatigue becomes severe or worsening

you’re in a higher-risk group (long-term illness, weakened immune system, over 65)

Trust your instincts, you’re not wasting anyone’s time.

A Final Reassuring Thought

If you’re feeling unwell after doing everything “right”, it can feel frustrating, especially when Christmas plans are involved.

But having the flu vaccination still means you’ve:

protected yourself from severe illness

reduced the risk to others

given your immune system a head start

That’s not failure, that’s sensible seasonal self-care.

At That’s Christmas 365, we believe Christmas should be about kindness, including being kind to your own body when it needs rest.

If that means a quieter day, simpler plans, or an early night with a mug of tea, then that’s perfectly okay.

Why Staying Home With the Super Flu Is a Moral Duty at Christmastime

Protect loved ones this festive season by staying home when ill with a super flu virus. Discover why it’s a moral duty that helps keep Christmas safe for everyone.

Christmas should be a season of warmth, joy and celebration, not a time when families worry about picking up a dangerous “super flu” virus from someone who felt obliged to soldier on despite being clearly unwell.

When a particularly aggressive winter virus is circulating, one simple act becomes both practical and profoundly moral: if you’re ill, you stay at home.

Christmas Is for Caring. And That Includes Protecting Others

At this time of year, our diaries fill up with parties, carol services, lunches, last-minute shopping trips and festive gatherings with friends. 

It’s understandable to want to take part in every moment. But a super flu virus spreads with ease in crowded shops, bustling markets and warm rooms filled with people.

Turning up to a Christmas event while coughing or feverish doesn’t just affect you — it endangers others, especially:

Older relatives

People with asthma or chronic conditions

Children

Anyone whose immunity is low during winter

NHS staff who are already stretched throughout December

Christmas is built on kindness, and protecting others from illness is one of the simplest forms of kindness we can offer.

A Few Days at Home Can Save Someone Else’s Christmas

No one wants to be the reason a grandparent ends up in hospital on Christmas Eve or a family’s plans are cancelled because everyone caught a virus from the office party.

By staying at home when you’re unwell:

You slow the spread of the virus across the community

You give the NHS crucial breathing space

You help workplaces and schools avoid disruptive outbreaks

You stop the domino effect that ruins festive plans for others

It’s an act of goodwill that costs you very little but protects countless people around you.

Resting Helps You Enjoy Christmas More

There’s also a very practical benefit: proper rest speeds recovery. Rather than dragging yourself through December feeling dreadful, a couple of days wrapped in a blanket with a hot drink can get you back on your feet in time for the big moments.

Your body heals faster when you respect its limits.

A Moral Choice That Embodies the Spirit of the Season

Christmas is full of traditions about giving, caring and thinking of others. Staying home when you’re carrying a super flu virus is one of the most meaningful modern acts of festive goodwill.

It takes no gifts, no money and no grand gesture, just the simple decision to protect those around you.

So this Christmas, if the aches, fever or heavy cough strike, remember:

Staying home isn’t missing out. It’s giving others the chance to enjoy a healthy, happy Christmas too.

My wife and I have caught this super flu and have taken the decision to stay at home and not spread it.

Why Every Family Should Get Their Flu Jab Before Christmas

As we slip into the sparkle and bustle of December, most of us are busy planning festive menus, booking travel, wrapping presents, and checking whether we’ve remembered everyone’s stocking fillers. 

But there’s another Christmas essential that often gets overlooked, and it may be the most important gift you can give your family this season: making sure everyone has had their flu jab.

Why it matters now more than ever

Winter is peak flu season in the UK, and with families gathering indoors,  often with relatives of all ages, from excitable toddlers to older grandparents, the chances of catching and spreading flu increase dramatically. 

While flu is sometimes dismissed as “just a heavy cold,” the NHS reminds us that it can cause severe illness, hospitalisation, and in vulnerable groups, it can even be life-threatening.

Some hospitals are already closed to new admissions due to an unexpected and early surge in flu cases and some virologists are recommending that people start wearing face masks, especially whilst on public transport.

A flu-free Christmas is a happier Christmas.

Who is eligible for a free NHS flu jab?

Each year, the NHS offers free flu vaccinations to groups most at risk. This typically includes:

Adults aged 65 and over

Pregnant women

People with certain long-term health conditions

Children aged 2–3 (nasal spray)

School-age children up to Year 11

Carers and frontline health or social care workers

If you’re not eligible, you can still get vaccinated privately at pharmacies such as Boots, Superdrug, Lloyds, and many independent chemists. Private jabs are reasonably priced and widely available.

Why the whole family should get protected

Even if you’re healthy, flu can knock you off your feet for days, sometimes weeks, and nobody wants to miss out on Christmas dinner, carol services or Boxing Day walks because they’re tucked up in bed with tissues and paracetamol.

But there’s another crucial reason: protection for others. Children and working adults often spread flu without realising they’re infectious. By getting vaccinated, you’re helping shield vulnerable relatives who might be more severely affected.

Think of it as a family act of kindness, and one that keeps the celebrations moving smoothly.

How to get your flu jab sorted quickly

Booking your flu vaccination is simple and can usually be done online:

NHS GP surgeries often invite eligible patients directly or allow online booking.

Pharmacies provide quick walk-in or pre-booked appointments.

Schools handle vaccinations for most children automatically.

If you’re planning Christmas travel, book your jab sooner rather than later. It takes around two weeks for immunity to develop.

Make it part of your Christmas preparations

Treat flu jabs like you would ordering the turkey or checking the fairy lights: a practical step that ensures your festive season runs smoothly.

Why not turn it into a family health check-in? Tick off flu jabs, review repeat prescriptions, and make sure everyone’s well stocked with any medications they’ll need over the Christmas and New Year period. It’s amazing how much stress this removes from the holidays.

A healthier, happier Christmas for all

Flu jabs aren’t the most glamorous part of Christmas planning, but they might just be the most meaningful. By protecting yourself and encouraging your family to do the same, you’re giving the gift of good health,  and creating the best possible chance for a relaxed, joyful, sniffle-free Christmas.

Later on we'll carry a feature on simple steps you can take to help your body ward off the flu.

Make Yourself 'Flu Proof' This Christmas

There's nothing worse than a bout of flu, especially over the Christmas period. 

Flu season comes around every year, and for sufferers, it always feels worse than the last, but what if this year that is actually the case? 

A recent study by the BBC labelled 2025 as the 'worst flu season in decades' due to the NHS issuing a "flu jab SOS" urging people to get their flu jab, especially if they are high-risk patients. 

While some may think getting the flu is an inevitable fate we all try and avoid during colder months, there are actually steps we can take to ensure the flu stays firmly at bay. 

Longevity experts, Charava, have compiled a list of ways to not only avoid flu but maintain a healthy immune system in general during winter. 

Why flu in 2025 is hitting the UK hard 

Influenza viruses are constantly maturing, meaning different strains develop each year and vaccinations have to be tweaked to ensure the new strain is eliminated effectively. As temperatures started to drop earlier in September in the UK, this has meant that more people are spending time indoors with the heating on and windows shut, creating a perfect breeding ground for the flu virus. With the spread of flu starting earlier this year, people haven't built up immunity, meaning we are being infected at a much faster rate. 

Why do we need extra support in winter

Shorter days mean your skin makes less vitamin D from the sunlight, which can lead to us becoming vitamin D deficient. Certain vitamins to take during winter help support your immune function, keeping you from catching the flu or feeling run-down. Nutrients like iron, folic acid, and vitamin B12 help your body make healthy blood cells, which carry oxygen and energy around your body, which can support immunity levels and make a big difference to how you feel during winter months. 

6 ways to avoid the flu this winter 

1. Get your flu jab now

The flu jab is readily available in the UK, especially to those over 65 or those with existing health conditions. For others, there are options to book at local pharmacies, which may charge for the vaccine but are often inexpensive and worth it for extra protection. 

The vaccination essentially exposes you to a small dose of the flu to give your white blood cells a chance to build a defence after understanding what they are fighting against. Once they have been exposed, it means if they come up against this particular strain of virus again, they'll be ready. 

This is why it's so important to get the flu jab every year. As influenza strains change and mature, even the flu you have been exposed to in the past will be something different that your white blood cells are not used to. The flu jab gives you a certain level of immunity, but should not be mistaken for a pass on flu during cold months. Other essential steps need to be practised alongside.

2. Ensure you're getting enough sleep

Sleep is and always will be one of the most important things you can do to keep your body healthy, whether you're fighting the flu or any other illness. Often overlooked as a chance to rest, sleep is actually your body's chance to recharge, regenerate and renew. 

As nights draw in, people often feel tired and lethargic. This is because our bodies use more energy throughout the day to stay warm and fight off more viruses, but also because during darker nights our brains are ready to switch off earlier. Some people fight this and get tired from lack of sleep, and others give in, going to bed much earlier and perhaps getting up later, again making themselves tired from a lack of sleep routine. It may sound like a lose-lose; however, when it comes to sleep, consistency is key. As well as making sure you listen to your body, if you're tired, let it rest.

Our cells renew as we sleep, and our bodies recharge. This is often why vitamin D is taken during darker days to help our bodies with the immune support, mood and energy we usually get from the sun.

3. Hydrate yourself 

Just like sleep; hydration is paramount to ensuring your body is prepared to fight off infection. White blood cells need water to function; if they become dehydrated, they can often shrink, impairing their ability to fight off foreign bodies such as the flu. 

Staying hydrated also helps maintain your body temperature. If your temperature drops, it can be harder to fight off illness because your energy is being used to regulate it, which can weaken your immune system and, therefore, increase your susceptibility to viruses. 

4. Don't skimp on your vitamins 

When the colder months arrive, your body may need extra help to stay strong and active. The best supplements for winter health can support your immune system, boost energy levels, and help your body recover more quickly from tiredness or low mood.

Eating a balanced diet with nutrients and lean protein is important, but it may not always give you everything your body needs. Taking the right winter supplements can help strengthen your immune system, maintain steady energy levels, and support your overall health through the season. One of the best vitamins for this time of year is vitamin D3 paired with K2.  

Vitamin D3 helps your body absorb calcium, and Vitamin K2 makes sure that calcium goes to your bones rather than your arteries. This supports immunity, helping you fight off flu, but also stabilises mood to maintain balanced energy levels. 

5. Practice good hygiene 

While this may sound like an obvious point, you'd be amazed at how much more we need to maintain hygiene levels proactively during the winter. Washing hands, bodies, clothes and surfaces is important to remove living bacteria and viruses as quickly as they spread. 

Frequency of washing is more crucial than the length of time you spend washing your hands. For example, it is recommended that you wash your hands for 30 seconds. However, during winter, the most important thing is to clean them regularly to avoid coming into contact with anything that carries the flu virus. On that note, it is also advised to avoid touching your mouth, nose and eyes in case germs still linger after washing. 

6. Take steps for clean air 

While we all would like to stay warm during colder months (which is also important for avoiding illness), ventilation is essential in winter to prevent viruses from being trapped in confined spaces, where they can mutate and spread. Opening a window for just 5-10 minutes per day can help with this, as can using a dehumidifier to remove moisture from the air. 

Dust allergens and other particles can also carry bacteria, so maintaining a regular cleaning routine is vital. 

Nutritional Therapist, Rachel Evans, told That's Christmas 365: "Vitamin D can help support the barriers of our respiratory tract and our gut lining. As we cant make enough vitamin D here in the UK during the winter months then we can become deficient so supplementing with this vitamin is really important.  It is always good to get your levels tested so that you know your baseline and can supplement accordingly with the right dosage.

"Alongside our gut barrier we have around 70/80% of our immune cells and we also have trillions of microbes living within our gut (I like to think of them like little Tamagotchi’s). When we eat, we aren’t just eating for ourselves, we are also feeding these microbes.  

"They thrive on a diet full of variety which helps them to produce various chemicals that do all sorts of useful jobs in our body liking helping to regulate immune cells and keep inflammation in check. When you are putting your meals together think of adding in lots of colourful fruits, vegetables, wholegrains, mushrooms, and fermented foods like kefir and kimchi.

"Polyphenols (plants chemicals found in berries, cocoa, green tea and spices like turmeric) and nutrients like vitamin C (oranges, kiwis, peppers), zinc (pumpkin seeds, chickpeas, oysters), selenium (brazil nuts, eggs, mushrooms) and omega-3 fats (salmon, mackerel, flaxseeds, walnuts) all help to manage inflammation and support the immune system in staying strong and resilient.  

"On top of this, consistent and restful sleep, spending time outdoors, exercise, managing stress and keeping hydrated all play a really important part of keeping your immune system strong and healthy during the flu season."

You can learn more here https://www.charava.co.uk

How to Avoid Catching the Mutated Flu Virus Sweeping Britain

A practical, reassuring guide for a safer, more healthy Christmas.

As Britain gears up for the festive season, many of us are juggling gift lists, food prep, travel plans and party invitations. 

Unfortunately, this year we’re also contending with a mutated strain of flu that’s making its way rapidly through workplaces, schools and social events, having cunningly side-stepped the vaccination programme. 

Nobody wants to spend Christmas Day under a duvet with a thermometer and a box of tissues. So here’s a clear, sensible guide to help you reduce your risk, stay well, and enjoy the season’s celebrations.

Keep Your Hands Clean (It Still Works Wonders)

Handwashing remains one of the most effective ways to stop flu viruses spreading.

Wash with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds.

Keep a small bottle of hand sanitiser in your coat pocket or bag when out Christmas shopping.

After using public transport, handling coins, or touching door handles in busy shops, sanitise or wash your hands as soon as you can.

It’s simple, quick and reduces your chances of picking up unwanted germs.

Give Your Immune System a Helping Hand

A strong immune system isn’t a guarantee, but it makes a real difference.

Eat well: Include fruit, vegetables, whole grains, nuts and lean proteins in your meals.

Stay hydrated: Cold weather often makes us forget to drink enough.

Get enough rest: Late-night wrapping sessions are fun, but sleep is essential for immune function.

Consider a flu jab: If you’re eligible or simply want extra protection, check with your GP or pharmacy. You can have NHS or private vaccinations. 

Ventilate Your Home and Party Spaces

Christmas often involves cosy, closed rooms packed with people — ideal conditions for viruses.

Open windows for short bursts throughout the day.

If you’re hosting, let in a little fresh air between guests arriving and food being served.

In pubs, cafés or parties, pick spots with some airflow where possible.

Good ventilation reduces the concentration of airborne viruses without making the room chilly.

Be Sensible About Crowds

This isn’t about avoiding fun — simply being aware.

Choose quieter times to shop if you can.

If attending a very crowded indoor event, consider wearing a mask (especially if you’re vulnerable or visiting elderly relatives soon).

Keep a respectful distance if someone nearby is coughing or sneezing.

Don’t Share Drinks, Snacks or Utensils

It sounds obvious, but Christmas buffets often lead to accidental cross-over.

Avoid double-dipping.

Don’t hand round drinks for taste tests.

Use serving spoons rather than fingers when nibbling from platters.

It’s not killjoy advice — it’s about keeping festivities flu-free.

Wrap Up Warm (It Makes a Difference)

Cold air itself doesn’t cause flu, but sudden temperature drops can make your body more vulnerable.

Wear layers when out carolling or attending Christmas markets.

Keep scarves and gloves handy.

Dry off and warm up after being caught in winter rain.

Comfort helps your body stay resilient.

Stay Home If You’re Unwell

If you wake up with flu symptoms — high temperature, aches, exhaustion, a heavy cough — give yourself permission to rest and recover.

Cancel events if you need to.

Let friends and family know you’re keeping your germs to yourself.

It’s far better to miss one outing than risk ruining Christmas for someone else.

Most people appreciate the honesty.

Christmas is meant to be joyful, social and uplifting — and with a few simple precautions, we can all enjoy it while staying as healthy as possible. The mutated flu virus may be circulating, but good hygiene, sensible planning and a little consideration for others go a long way.

Stay warm, stay well, and have a wonderfully festive season. 

Boost Your Immunity: Foods and Supplements to Keep Cold, Flu, and Other Bugs at Bay for Christmas

As the days grow shorter and colder, we enter the season of sniffles, coughs, and seasonal bugs. 

With Christmas and New Year around the corner, it's more important than ever to safeguard your health so you can enjoy the festive season without battling a cold or flu. 

Whilst vaccines and good hygiene are vitally important, a strong immune system can make all the difference. Here’s a guide to foods and supplements that can give your body the extra edge against winter infections.

1. Load Up on Vitamin C

Vitamin C is one of the most well-known immune-boosting nutrients, essential for stimulating the production of white blood cells, which are vital in fighting infections. Luckily, this vitamin is easy to find in a variety of fruits and vegetables:

Oranges, grapefruits, lemons, and limes are packed with Vitamin C, and a fresh glass of citrus juice is a great way to start your day.

Bell peppers have even more Vitamin C than most citrus fruits.

Kiwis, strawberries, and guava are also excellent choices and make delicious, seasonal additions to fruit salads or snacks.

If fresh options are limited, consider a Vitamin C supplement. For most people, 500-1000 mg per day can give a good boost, but consult your GP if you're considering higher doses.

2. Don’t Forget Zinc

Zinc is another powerful ally against colds. It can help reduce the duration of cold symptoms if taken at the first sign of illness. You can find zinc in foods like:

Red meat, poultry, and shellfish (especially oysters) are rich in zinc.

Pumpkin seeds, beans, and chickpeas provide a vegetarian-friendly zinc source.

For a preventive boost, consider a daily zinc supplement, especially during peak cold and flu season.

3. Boost Your Vitamin D Levels

In the UK, where sunshine can be scarce during the winter months, many people become deficient in Vitamin D. This vitamin plays a critical role in immune function, helping to prevent infections and fight viruses. Foods high in Vitamin D include:

Oily fish (such as salmon, mackerel, and sardines)

Egg yolks and fortified cereals

Mushrooms (especially those exposed to sunlight)

For many, a Vitamin D supplement is necessary during the winter. The NHS recommends adults consider a daily supplement of 10 micrograms (400 IU) during autumn and winter.

4. Probiotics: Support Your Gut Health

Did you know that a large portion of your immune system resides in your gut? Healthy gut flora help regulate immune responses and protect against harmful pathogens. Foods rich in probiotics can boost gut health and improve your immune defences:

Yoghurt, especially those with live cultures, is a good source of beneficial bacteria.

Kefir and kombucha also provide diverse strains of probiotics.

Fermented vegetables like sauerkraut, kimchi, and pickles are tangy and immune-friendly.

Consider a probiotic supplement if you’re not a fan of fermented foods. Look for one with multiple strains and a high colony-forming unit (CFU) count for maximum benefit.

5. Spice It Up with Garlic and Ginger

Garlic and ginger are two pantry powerhouses that offer incredible immune-supporting properties:

Garlic is known for its antiviral and antibacterial properties, making it effective against colds. Try adding it to soups, stews, or even roasted veg.

Ginger has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. It can soothe sore throats and aid digestion. A warming ginger tea with honey can help relieve early cold symptoms.

Both garlic and ginger supplements are available, but fresh options often provide the best benefit.

6. Go Green with Leafy Vegetables

Leafy greens like spinach, kale, and Swiss chard are packed with vitamins and antioxidants that support the immune system. They’re rich in Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and folate—all important for cell repair and protection. You can incorporate greens into smoothies, soups, or even as a side dish to keep your immune system in top form.

7. Add Elderberry and Echinacea for Extra Protection

Elderberry and echinacea are two herbal supplements often associated with fighting respiratory infections. Research suggests they may help reduce the severity and length of colds:

Elderberry is packed with antioxidants and is thought to combat viruses directly. Syrup or capsules are both convenient options.

Echinacea is often taken as a tea, tincture, or capsule and may help reduce inflammation and cold symptoms.

Always follow the dosage instructions and consult your GP if you have any underlying conditions before adding these herbs to your routine.

8. Hydrate with Herbal Teas and Bone Broth

Staying hydrated is key to keeping your immune system strong, as it helps flush out toxins and maintain mucus membranes in the respiratory tract. A few immune-boosting drinks to keep on hand include:

Herbal teas such as chamomile, peppermint, and green tea offer antioxidants and soothing effects.

Bone broth is nutrient-dense, providing amino acids and minerals that help support immune function and gut health.

If you’re feeling under the weather, warm drinks also help relieve sore throats and congestion.

9. Sleep and Stress Management

While not a food or supplement, quality sleep and stress management are vital for a strong immune system. Chronic stress and lack of sleep can lower immune defences, making it easier for colds and flu to take hold. Try practising mindfulness, meditation, or light exercise, and aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night to keep your immune system resilient.

In Summary

With the right combination of nutrient-rich foods and well-chosen supplements, you can help your body fend off common colds, flu, and other infections this winter. As you prepare for a cosy Christmas and New Year, taking these small steps will ensure you’re well-protected and ready to enjoy the festivities in good health.

Disclaimer: This guide is meant for general health information and is not a substitute for medical advice. Consult your GP before starting any new supplements, especially if you have underlying health conditions or take other medications.