Flu, Covid and super-colds: how to beat them this winter

It seems that nearly everyone has been laid low by the world’s worst “super cold’ in the last few weeks – from unbelievably sore throats to a terrifying dependence on Lemsip (which has seen a spike in sales), it is hard to deny that this winter’s batch of viruses seem particularly virulent and wide-spread. Here’s what you need to know.

Why is it that flu and colds feel so awful this year?

One argument is that our natural immunity was significantly weakened by successive lockdowns. Days, weeks, and months of seeing nobody but our closest family members reduced the number of bacteria and viruses we came into contact with, and our immunity has suffered as a result.

But it may not be that simple: the health benefits of lockdown for some people (exercising more, eating better, sleeping longer) could have enhanced our immunity, and the idea that the body cultivates long-lasting resistance against common colds and viruses is somewhat misplaced.

Rather, it is more likely to be the fact that the low levels of flu last year have made predicting the strain for this year’s vaccine inordinately difficult. In the UK, scientists are normally able to predict the predominant strain of the virus based off the strain in the Australian winter. Global lockdowns have made this type of transmission and prediction near-impossible.

But the flu is different to the common cold that is currently laying so many people low. Statistics released from the Royal College of General Practitioners suggest that cold levels are higher than normal at this point in the year, but this might be the result of increased socialising in a shorter amount of time after lockdowns than a particularly contagious strain.

One GP told Reaction that while they had consulted upon more cold cases than normal – particularly among children – it was not immediately clear that the illness was worse than a normal cold season.

How worrying is this for the winter?

With conversations about Plan B – or even Plan C – it is natural to worry about how this latest spate of illness might affect the NHS. Flu season is always a strain on medical resources; in an average year, flu can kill 11,000 people in England. In a particularly bad year, such as 2014-15, there were around 34,300 deaths.

Medical professionals are worried: earlier this month, the Royal College of General Practitioners released a report which revealed that over a third of doctors believed their organisation was not ready for the approaching winter.

How can you tell the difference between a cold or flu and Covid?

For people who are double jabbed, evidence from ZOE – the world’s largest Covid-19 study – suggests that symptoms of Covid-19 can be nearly indistinguishable from a cold, and can include a runny nose and a sore throat. If symptoms persist, it is worth getting a PCR test.

The GP I spoke to said that it was easier to distinguish between flu and rhinoviruses – if symptoms are confined to nose, throat, and ears, it is more likely to be the latter, but if the illness is whole-body, it is likely to be a flu virus. But, despite this distinction, almost “anything can be Covid” from the mildest head cold to a flu without any respiratory difficulties. If you are at all unsure, it is safer to get a PCR test rather than just a lateral flow test.

If you have a high temperature, a new, continuous cough, a change in your senses of smell or taste, then get a PCR test immediately.

What can you do to avoid the super cold or winter flu?

The government is encouraging all those who will be 50 by 31 March 2022 or are immunocompromised to have the flu vaccine. You can have the vaccine at your GP surgery, pharmacy, or a hospital appointment.

Aside from the vaccine, it is wise to follow the hygiene advice issued at the beginning of the pandemic. We are returning to the era of singing happy birthday whilst washing your hands…

There is some anecdotal evidence about the benefit of Vitamin C, and doctors recommend taking Vitamin D during the winter months due to the lack of light – but it is not altogether clear that vitamin supplements can stave off viruses.

What is the danger of having both Covid-19 and the flu at the same time?

Information from the NHS suggests that having both Covid-19 and the flu at the same time puts a person at greater risk of getting seriously ill and potentially requiring hospitalisation. It is for this reason that booster jabs are so key this winter.

If you are offered the Covid-19 booster jab, it is safe to have it at the same time as a flu vaccine.