Winter bugs: what you need to know from a doctor’s perspective
By Dr Drew Smith, GP in Derby
As the colder months set in, we see a sharp rise in seasonal illnesses, many of which spread quickly and can make you feel miserable.
As a doctor, I know how overwhelming it can feel when symptoms strike. Should you call your GP? Can you treat it at home? How do you stop it from spreading to loved ones?
In this blog, I’ll break down the key facts about the most common winter bugs, their symptoms, how to manage them, and when to seek help.
Norovirus: the winter vomiting bug you don’t want to catch
Norovirus, often called the winter vomiting bug, is a highly contagious stomach virus that can strike at any time of year, though it’s most common in colder months. If you’ve ever had sudden nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea that left you feeling wiped out, chances are norovirus was the culprit.
Symptoms usually appear quickly and may include tummy pain, headache, body aches, and even a mild fever. While it’s unpleasant, most people recover within two to three days.
The key to managing norovirus is hydration. Vomiting and diarrhoea can lead to dehydration, so sip water or squash regularly and rest as much as possible. Avoid fizzy drinks and fruit juice, which can make symptoms worse, and steer clear of fatty or spicy foods until you feel better. Paracetamol can help ease discomfort.
There is no treatment for norovirus, and visiting a surgery risks spreading the infection. Most cases can be managed at home with rest and fluids. A pharmacist can also advise on oral rehydration solutions. Always stay home until you’ve been symptom-free for 48 hours.
Norovirus spreads easily through contact, contaminated surfaces, and food, so good hygiene is essential. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water, hand gels won’t kill the virus. Wash any soiled clothes or bedding separately at 60°C.
Flu: more than just a bad cold
Flu is not the same as a cold, it hits fast and hard. One day you’re fine, the next you’re floored with a high temperature, aching muscles, exhaustion, and a dry cough. Other symptoms can include sore throat, headache, loss of appetite, and even tummy pain or sickness.
Children may also have ear pain and seem unusually tired. While most people recover within a week, flu can make some seriously ill, so getting the flu vaccine if eligible is vital.
If you catch flu, rest and keep warm. Drink plenty of fluids and take paracetamol or ibuprofen, if safe to do so, to ease fever and aches. For children, check the medicine leaflet or ask a pharmacist before giving pain relief.
Antibiotics won’t help, flu is caused by a virus, not bacteria. A pharmacist can recommend remedies and give advice, but the best prevention is vaccination and good hygiene. If symptoms worsen or you’re in a high-risk group (pregnant, elderly, or have long-term health conditions), call your GP or NHS 111 for guidance rather than visiting in person.
Covid-19: It’s still here
Covid-19 hasn’t gone away, and its symptoms can feel very similar to colds or flu.
Watch out for a high temperature, a new continuous cough, or a change in your sense of taste or smell. Other signs include tiredness, body aches, sore throat, headache, and even tummy upset. Most people recover within a few weeks, but for some, especially older adults, pregnant people, and those with long-term health conditions, it can be serious. That’s why getting vaccinated when advised is one of the best ways to protect yourself and others.
If you feel unwell or have a high temperature, stay at home and avoid contact with others until you feel better. If you choose to test and it’s positive, try to stay home for 3 days (under 18s) or 5 days (adults) and avoid meeting vulnerable people for 10 days.
Self-care is key, rest, drink plenty of fluids, and take paracetamol or ibuprofen, again if safe to do so. Honey can soothe a cough (but never give honey to babies under 12 months). For breathlessness, sit upright, relax your shoulders, and breathe slowly in through your nose and out through your mouth. A pharmacist can advise on cough remedies if needed.
RSV: the hidden risk for little ones and older adults
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is one of the most common causes of coughs and colds, and almost all children catch it before the age of two. For most people, RSV feels like a mild cold, a runny nose, cough, sneezing, tiredness, and sometimes a fever. But for babies under six months, premature infants, older adults, and anyone with weakened immunity or lung or heart conditions, RSV can lead to serious infections like bronchiolitis or pneumonia.
Adults can get RSV too. In healthy adults, it usually causes mild symptoms, but for those aged 75 and over or with chronic health conditions, RSV can be dangerous and may lead to hospital care.
RSV spreads easily through coughs, sneezes, and contaminated surfaces. To reduce the risk, wash hands often, clean toys and surfaces, use disposable tissues, and where possible, keep newborns away from anyone with cold or flu symptoms.
Most RSV infections clear up on their own, but seek medical help if your child has breathing difficulties, is feeding less, or seems very unwell. For older adults, worsening cough or confusion can signal a serious infection. Pregnant people (from 28 weeks), adults aged 75–79, and those who turned 80 after September 2024 can get a free RSV vaccine on the NHS.