Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

How to avoid the dreaded 'twindemic' of Flu and Covid-19 this festival season

This winter could be the first time we see the effects of a so-called ‘twindemic', with people catching both Covid and flu at the same time, according to experts.

How to avoid the dreaded 'twindemic' of Flu and Covid-19 this festival season

Experts warn that this winter could be the first time we see the effects of a so-called ‘twindemic’, with people catching both Covid and flu at the same time, increasing their risk of serious illness. Don't worry, Dr Harpreet Sood and Dr Madhvi Joshi provide vital tips...

GPs Harpreet Sood and Dr Madhvi Joshi provide advice to help all celebrate safely....


Celebrating safely

With community celebrations and events back in full swing, the annual Diwali in the Square is no exception. Thousands of families flocked to London’s Trafalgar Square in October, to celebrate the festival of lights with a colourful range of music, dance, food and workshops.

A Health Hopper bus was on site, offering Covid-19 vaccines to those who need one, as well as a health stall providing general advice and guidance. Many cities will also soon host Christmas events, including the York Christmas Festival, that will be celebrating its 30th anniversary and is expecting to attract larger crowds than ever.

Dr Harpreet Sood photo Dr Harpreet Sood

Dr Harpreet Sood, a GP in London explains there are more chances of picking up infections due to the changing weather, being outside in the cold and then spending time indoors in closed spaces.

“Some people need extra protection during colder weather as viruses circulate more and cause greater harm. Catching Covid-19 or flu for most people is unpleasant, but for some can be very dangerous. If we get both at the same time, the chance of being very unwell or going into hospital is even greater," said Dr Sood.

“Vaccinations are the best protection against getting seriously ill from these viruses and spreading it to other people.”

The basic steps that we all used earlier in the pandemic can still be followed. Staying at home when you are ill, washing your hands regularly, covering your mouth when you cough or sneeze, and keeping a window open when you have guests indoors, are still important to reduce the risk of infections spreading, he pointed out.

Dr Sood adds: “As we’re approaching festivals like Diwali and Christmas, we’ll be spending time with loved ones. But if you’re feeling unwell, we recommend you avoid going out and stay at home where possible. Older family members or those with underlying health conditions are particularly vulnerable and at greater risk of complication. It’s sensible to keep your distance from others until you’re feeling better.”

Boost your immunity

Alongside your vaccinations, here are some ideas to boost your immune system to help fight infection:

  • A good night’s sleep – quality sleep helps us to feel fully rested. Giving your eyes a rest from blue light and gadgets a couple of hours before going to bed, avoiding caffeine from the early evening and a relaxing bedtime routine might also aid your sleep.
  • Reduce your stress levels – with so much going on in our lives, it’s important to rest our minds as well as our bodies. We all have different ways of calming our mind - whether it’s yoga, meditation or a walk in the fresh air, find something that works for you.
  • Eat healthy – most of our nutrients come from a varied and well-balanced diet. Plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, as well as protein can boost our immune system. If you don’t eat meat, fish or eggs, protein can also be found in lentils, beans, pulses, soya and tofu. Government advice recommends that everyone should consider taking a daily vitamin D supplement during the autumn and winter. You may not make enough vitamin D from the sunlight if you have darker skin or spend a lot of time indoors, so you may decide to have a supplement all year round.
  • Stay hydrated – remember to drink water regularly throughout the day. It might not be at the top of your priority list especially as you may not feel as thirsty in the winter, but it’s essential for our health.
  • Exercise regularly– to help your overall health and strengthens your immune system and lower the risk of illness. It is recommended we do at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise a week, but if you aren’t able to manage that, remember some exercise is better than none at all.

Getting your winter jabs

Vaccines protect us from getting seriously ill and have saved lives and helped thousands of people stay out of hospital. Flu vaccines are available for free on the NHS for anyone aged 50 and over, those who are pregnant and people with certain health conditions. Others can have the vaccine because they may get seriously ill or pass it on to others if they catch it such as young children, primary school aged and some secondary school aged children.

This autumn, the NHS is offering next-generation Covid-19 vaccines that target two different variants of the virus, potentially improving protection. And it is important to come forward for both jabs even if you have been vaccinated before.

“Your immunity reduces over time which is why those at greater risk from the virus are being invited to top it up again ahead of winter. And the flu virus can change over time, so even if you had a flu vaccine last year, it’s important to come forward for one when you are invited this year," Dr Sood said.

“And if you or a family member still need an earlier dose of the Covid-19 vaccine, it’s not too late. You will be welcomed by your local NHS team and someone will be able to advise on what you need (which you can also check on nhs.uk or by calling 119)”

Dr Madhvi Joshi photo 1 Dr Madhvi Joshi

Dr Madhvi Joshi, a GP in Harrow points out that, as well as being quick and easy to get, the vaccines are safe.

“There has been extensive testing on COVID-19 vaccines and as our own communities have also been involved in tests, we can trust it is safe and gives us protection. There are no egg or animal products in the COVID-19 vaccine and although some flu vaccines contain egg, there are also low-egg and egg-free vaccines available, particularly for those with allergies," she said.

"Children over the age of 2 may be offered a nasal spray flu vaccine which contains small traces of porcine gelatine. But if this isn’t suitable for your child, an injectable vaccine will still be available. If you have any worries or questions about vaccines, please ask a health professional who will be able to help you.”

Getting your vaccines when invited gives you and your loved ones the best protection from serious illness and hospitalisation. Covid-19 vaccines can be booked online at www.nhs.uk/get-vaccination, by scanning the QR code, calling 119 for free, or in some areas you can find a local vaccination walk-in centre.

To find out more about the flu vaccine and who is eligible, visit www.nhs.uk/flujab.

More For You

Parliament backs assisted dying in historic law shift

Supporters of the assisted dying law for terminally ill people hold a banner, on the day British lawmakers are preparing to vote on the bill, in London, Britain, June 20, 2025. REUTERS/Isabel Infantes

Parliament backs assisted dying in historic law shift

PARLIAMENT voted on Friday (20) in favour of a bill to legalise assisted dying, paving the way for the country's biggest social change in a generation.

314 lawmakers voted in favour with 291 against the bill, clearing its biggest parliamentary hurdle.

Keep ReadingShow less
Air India

An Air India Airbus A320-200 aircraft takes off from the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad, India, July 7, 2017. Picture taken July 7, 2017.

Regulator warns Air India over delayed emergency equipment checks: Report

INDIA’s aviation regulator has warned Air India for violating safety rules after three of its Airbus aircraft operated flights without undergoing mandatory checks on emergency escape slides, according to official documents reviewed by Reuters.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) issued warning notices and a detailed investigation report highlighting the breach. These documents were sent days before the recent crash of an Air India Boeing 787-8, in which all but one of the 242 people onboard were killed. The Airbus incidents are unrelated to that crash.

Keep ReadingShow less
assisted dying bill

Pro and anti-assisted dying campaigners protest ahead of a parliamentary decision later today, on June 20, 2025 in London.

Getty Images

MPs to vote on assisted dying bill amid divided views

UK MPs are set to hold a key vote on assisted dying on Friday, which could either advance or halt a proposed law that would allow terminally ill adults to end their lives under strict conditions.

The vote follows several hours of debate in the House of Commons and will decide whether the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill moves to the House of Lords for further scrutiny or is dropped altogether.

Keep ReadingShow less
Zhenhao Zou

Zhenhao Zou, 28, was jailed on Thursday after being found guilty of multiple offences. (Photo: Reuters)

Reuters

Chinese student jailed for life for raping women in UK and China

A CHINESE postgraduate student convicted of drugging and raping 10 women in the UK and China has been sentenced to life imprisonment by a London court.

Zhenhao Zou, 28, was jailed on Thursday after being found guilty of multiple offences. Police say there is evidence he may have targeted more than 50 other women.

Keep ReadingShow less
Air India cuts international flights after deadly crash

Mother (C) of First Officer Clive Kunder, co-pilot of the Air India plane that crashed in Ahmedabad last week, mourns after his mortal remains were brought to his residence, in Mumbai. (PTI Photo)

Air India cuts international flights after deadly crash

AIR INDIA said on Wednesday (18) it will cut international operations on its widebody aircraft by 15 per cent for the next few weeks, citing ongoing safety inspections and operational disruptions following last week's deadly crash of one of its Boeing 787 Dreamliners.

Authorities continue to investigate the crash of flight AI171, which killed 241 people and marked the world's deadliest aviation disaster in a decade.

Keep ReadingShow less