Almost two thirds of Londoners expect to catch winter illness in January - as UK cold and flu levels soar across the city
A new study has disclosed that almost two-thirds (61%) of Londoners are expecting to come down with a cold or flu in January, with a significant number worried about contracting severe illnesses including norovirus and coronavirus (59%)
- Two-thirds (61%) of Londoners brace for seasonal flu and colds as contraction levels continue to rise across the city
- 69% of Londoners believe they will contract winter ailments such as norovirus from family or children, with 72% identifying schools and universities as breeding grounds for infections
- Recent NHS statistics indicate a surge in illness rates, with flu cases up by 350% and norovirus hospital cases increasing by 86% compared to last year
- Amidst the ongoing flu season of 2025, Dr Frankie Phillips offers straightforward advice for bolstering and sustaining immune health
A new study has disclosed that almost two-thirds (61%) of Londoners are expecting to come down with a cold or flu in January, with a significant number worried about contracting severe illnesses including norovirus and coronavirus (59%).
These concerns are underscored by the latest NHS figures, which reveal that hospitals across the capital are grappling with unprecedented levels of serious flu this winter, evidenced by a 350% increase in flu cases and an 86% rise in norovirus cases in hospitals compared to the figures from 2023 – this alongside heightened apprehensions regarding escalating COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus levels in medical facilities*.
Alarmingly, despite the uptick in illness rates, a third (36%) of Londoners admitted they would still attend work if they exhibited Covid-19 symptoms – such as a persistent cough, breathlessness, and fever.
The 'Back-to-School' Effect in London
As Londoners head back to work and school in full force, the dread of contracting a seasonal illness looms. Over half (53%) anticipate catching a cold from colleagues at work, and 56% foresee falling ill during their commute.
Similarly, there is considerable anxiety about young Londoners returning to schools or universities, with 69% of residents predicting that they are most likely to contract a seasonal illness from their immediate family or children, and almost three-quarters (72%) viewing educational settings as hotbeds for winter illness.
The majority of adults in London (74%) are keen to take more proactive measures to safeguard their children’s immune health as they return to school, aiming to curb the spread of virulent flu strains. However, many are not well-informed about the essential vitamins and minerals needed to prime their immune system and fend off sickness. 68% of those surveyed confessed to being uncertain about which vitamins and minerals to consume for immune support – with over half (57%) feeling overwhelmed by the volume of information regarding daily vitamin and mineral intake.
Top Tips for Enhancing Immunity During the Winter for Londoners
Dietary specialist and public health nutritionist Dr Frankie Phillips remarked, “The growing concern over severe winter illnesses in London as cold and flu season rages on, is unsurprising. Yet, this recent research indicates that many are not knowledgeable about the vitamins and minerals necessary to bolster the immune system and protect children, teenagers, and adults from seasonal illnesses, including Covid-19 and norovirus.
“As a nutritionist, I recommend three strategies to nourish your body and stave off the dreaded lurgy:
- Boost Your Vitamin C Intake with Orange Juice: Vitamin C is a crucial antioxidant needed to safeguard immune cells. A single 150ml glass of pure orange juice provides over 80% of your daily vitamin C requirement and counts towards one of your 5-a-day.
- Embrace Oily Fish for Vitamin D: Vitamin D plays a role in regulating immune cells. Consuming oily fish once a week offers a vital source of Vitamin D, in addition to omega-3 fats which are beneficial for heart health. Moreover, a daily vitamin D supplement is advisable during the winter months due to reduced sunlight exposure.
- Incorporate Zinc into Your Diet with Legumes: Zinc is essential for the immune system to combat harmful bacteria and viruses. Legumes, such as chickpeas, lentils, and beans, are an easy way to increase your Zinc intake. Seeds, nuts, and whole grains are also rich in Zinc and can be effortlessly added to breakfast and lunch meals.
Dr Phillips added, “By integrating these simple nutritional tips into your daily routine, you can fortify your body's natural defences, diminish the chances of succumbing to seasonal illnesses, and prevent spreading them to others."