About the Author — Dr Anam Ashraf
Dr Anam Ashraf is a General Practitioner (GP) with Teladoc Health UK, providing clinical expertise to our virtual care service. As the author of this blog, she draws on her experience in primary care and patient-centred medicine.
As the weather turns colder and we spend more time indoors, coughs, sniffles, and sore throats seem to become part of everyday life. Winter is the peak season for common viral infections, including the common cold, flu, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection. Although most winter viruses are mild and get better on their own, they can still make you feel miserable and, in some cases, lead to more serious illness. Understanding what winter viruses are, how they spread, and how to manage symptoms can help you protect yourself and your family during the colder months.
Winter viruses are germs that can make people sick with different symptoms. The most common ones include:
These winter viruses spread through tiny droplets released when people cough or sneeze. In winter, we often stay indoors where it’s warm, and the air doesn’t move much. This facilitates viral spread, so more people become ill.
The symptoms of winter viruses vary by virus, but many are similar. Common symptoms include:
In most instances, you usually don’t need a test to know which virus is making someone sick. This is because treatment is often the same for different viruses. Doctors can usually tell what’s wrong by reviewing the symptoms and doing an examination.
However, if someone gets very sick, they may need to go to the hospital. In the hospital, swab tests can check which virus is causing the illness. Subsequently, the treatment may vary depending on the virus.
If you are sick with a virus, there are several things you can do to help your body get better. Your immune system is made to fight viruses on its own. Most of the time, you do not need antibiotics.
Rest is very important. When you rest, your body can use its energy to fight the infection and get better. Sometimes you may need to stay home from work or school. This also helps stop the illness from spreading to others.
Drink lots of fluids to stay hydrated and keep yourself warm.
Honey in a warm drink is a common home remedy for people with viral illnesses. For a long time, many cultures have used honey for its healing properties, especially because it can fight bacteria and reduce inflammation.
Recent research suggests that honey may help with coughs, reducing their frequency and severity. Some studies also suggest it can help symptoms go away 1–2 days faster.
Important: Honey is not safe for children under 1 year old because it can cause a rare but serious illness called infant botulism, which can make a baby’s muscles weak and cause problems with feeding or breathing.
Over-the-counter medicines like paracetamol can help lower a fever and reduce pain. Nasal sprays can help with a blocked nose, but only for a short time. Difflam throat spray can help soothe a sore throat. Gargling with salt water can also help clear infections from the throat.
Always read the medication instructions and do not exceed the recommended dose. Avoid using cough and cold medicines at the same time as paracetamol tablets, because many of these medicines already contain paracetamol.
You can ask a pharmacist if over-the-counter medicines are safe for you and how to use them correctly.
There are several effective ways to reduce the risk of infection.
Vaccines can help lower your chances of getting the flu or COVID-19. If you do get sick, your symptoms are usually milder and don’t last as long. You are also less likely to have serious problems like pneumonia or need to go to the hospital.
If you are eligible for the vaccines, you will be contacted by your NHS GP surgery. Alternatively, you can enquire at your local pharmacy.
Use a tissue to cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze and throw it in the bin right away. Wash your hands often with soap and water. Clean surfaces you touch a lot, like door handles, phones, and tables.
If you can, use your own cups, plates, and cutlery. Avoid sharing towels or toys with an ill person.
Wearing a mask helps protect you by preventing you from inhaling droplets from other people, reducing the risk of infection.
If you are sick, a mask can prevent respiratory droplets from coughs, sneezes, or speech from spreading to others.
For most healthy adults, viral illnesses get better on their own and usually don’t need a doctor’s visit. Most people begin to feel better within 2–3 weeks.
Sometimes it’s important to see a doctor. Seek medical help if you experience:
If you are worried about your child’s symptoms, contact a healthcare professional right away.
Some people are more likely to experience complications from a viral illness and should consult a physician. This includes people with long-term health conditions like diabetes, heart, lung, or kidney problems. People with a weakened immune system, for example, due to medications or chemotherapy, should also seek medical advice.
You can get help by contacting your GP or calling NHS 111.
Teladoc Health UK offers a 24/7 Virtual GP service.
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