Brutal illness sweeping UK is wiping people out after work Christmas parties

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    Brits attending office Christmas parties have reported being totally wiped out by a nasty illness afterwards.

    With various cold and flu viruses, Covid variants and a swathe of other bugs making the rounds, many workers are finding themselves bed bound with more than just a headache caused by one too many pints. And many Brits have no idea which of the diseases they're catching at their festive dos.

    Taking to X (formerly Twitter), one wrote: "I went out last friday for a work christmas party and have been sick ever since." Meanwhile another added: "So office Christmas party has been canceled cos half of the staff down with the flu and here I am part of the half in the office working."

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    "Mann.. caught the flu at my job's Christmas party. I literally feel likes s**t," a third wrote, while a fourth cautioned: "PLEASE pay attention especially during the holidays when people will be having parties, gather in groups, travel, shop, etcetera. That work party the week before Christmas WILL get you and your whole family sick. Been seeing everyone get the flu & Covid the past few weeks."

    So what exactly is it that's making the nation sick? According to Dr Babak Ashrafi, a GP for online doctor service ZAVA, your post-Christmas-bash blues could be caused by many things.

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    He told LADbible: "What many might think is just one winter cold that is causing havoc among a large proportion of the population is actually a range of different viruses and other respiratory infections which are hitting us at about the same time." Dr Ashrafi added that after months of Covid lockdowns and social distancing in 2020 and 2021, our immune systems may not be accustomed to some of the diseases currently making their way through the population.

    "So catching a cold or flu this winter may leave you feeling a little worse than you would have before 2020, but bear in mind that without testing, it’s hard to know what you’re infected with," he added. "Added to that, our nasal immune defences are reduced in cold air, making it easier for us to be infected with this type of airborne virus."

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    While nobody wants to get sick – especially in the run-up to December 25 – many of us may be unwilling to forgo this year's festive antics. If you are planning on attending Christmas parties, Dr Ashrafi recommended washing your hands regularly, keeping rooms well ventilated and chucking out used tissues to avoid getting sick.

    If you're already unwell, your best defence against spreading your infection is to stay home until you're better or wear a mask when you do need to leave the house.

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    • Christmas
    • Health issues

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