Super Flu: What It Means for Winter Health — and How to Protect Yourself

As winter settles in, concerns around a potential “super flu” season have been dominating the news. Health experts are warning that a combination of circulating flu strains, lingering respiratory viruses, and increased indoor mixing could lead to higher-than-usual rates of illness — placing added pressure on NHS services.

For most people, this isn’t about alarm. It’s about being informed, prepared, and sensible. Understanding how colds and flu spread, how to reduce your risk, and when to seek support can help you look after your own health while easing pressure on the healthcare system.

Why This Winter Feels Different

Several factors are contributing to concerns about a more severe cold and flu season. Increased travel, seasonal socialising, and multiple viruses circulating at the same time all raise the likelihood of infection.

When flu cases rise sharply, NHS services — including GP surgeries, pharmacies and A&E departments — can become stretched. Taking steps to protect your health doesn’t just benefit you; it helps reduce wider strain during one of the busiest times of the year.

Practical Steps to Reduce Your Risk of Colds and Flu

While no approach can guarantee complete protection, everyday habits remain one of the most effective ways to lower your risk during winter flu season.

Good hand hygiene

Regularly washing your hands with soap and water — particularly after being in public spaces — remains one of the simplest and most effective preventative measures. Alcohol hand gel can help when washing isn’t possible.

Ventilation and fresh air

Colds and flu viruses spread more easily indoors. Opening windows, even briefly, can improve airflow and reduce exposure, especially in shared spaces.

Supporting your immune system naturally

A balanced diet, staying hydrated, getting enough sleep and managing stress all play an important role in supporting your immune system. These fundamentals often matter more than any quick fix.

Being mindful when unwell

If you’re feeling under the weather, limiting close contact with others can help reduce the spread of infection — particularly around older adults or those with underlying health conditions.

Recognising Symptoms — and Knowing When to Seek Advice

Cold and flu symptoms can overlap, often starting with fatigue, a sore throat, headache or muscle aches. Flu symptoms tend to come on more suddenly and may include fever, chills and a persistent cough. If you’re generally healthy, mild symptoms can often be managed at home with rest, fluids and over-the-counter remedies. However, it’s important to seek medical advice if:

• Symptoms worsen or don’t improve
• You develop chest pain, shortness of breath or a high fever
• You’re pregnant, elderly, immunocompromised, or managing a long-term condition
• You’re concerned — it’s always better to ask

Using NHS 111, your local pharmacist or your GP can help you access the right level of care without unnecessary hospital visits.

Where Supplements Fit In — and Why People Choose Them in Winter

During the colder months, many people look for ways to support their general wellbeing as part of a broader winter routine. Alongside diet, rest and healthy habits, supplements are often chosen for their long history of traditional use and their place in everyday wellness practices.

Oregano oil is one such supplement with a long and well-documented history. In Ancient Greece, oregano was highly regarded and used extensively in traditional practices. Hippocrates — widely considered the father of medicine — is known to have used oregano as an antiseptic and for addressing respiratory and digestive concerns. It was viewed at the time as a powerful remedy for a range of ailments, including coughs, infections and even poisonings (something that was far more common and dangerous in the ancient world, long before modern sanitation, food safety and medical care). This traditional use is often linked, in modern research, to oregano’s naturally occurring compounds, such as carvacrol and thymol, which are recognised for their antioxidant and antimicrobial properties.

Today, some people choose Organic Oregano Oil during cold and flu season as part of their routine, particularly those who favour traditional, plant-based supplements. Our Wild Oregano Oil C80 range is carefully standardised and produced with a focus on purity and consistency, making it a popular choice for seasonal wellbeing.

Alongside herbal supplements, live bacteria are another area of interest during winter. Changes in routine, diet, stress, travel and seasonal illness can all influence gut balance. Products such as UniBac Advanced 17, which contains a broad blend of live bacterial strains, are often chosen by those looking to support gut health as part of their everyday wellbeing.

Other natural supplements that people commonly consider during winter months include:

• Vitamin D, particularly due to reduced sunlight exposure
• Vitamin C, a long-standing winter staple
• Zinc, often included in general wellness routines

It’s important to remember that supplements are not medicines and are not intended to prevent, treat or cure illness. They are best viewed as part of a wider approach to health — alongside good nutrition, rest and sensible self-care.

Supplements should always be used as directed and may not be suitable for everyone. If you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or managing a medical condition, it’s advisable to seek professional advice before use.

A Calm, Prepared Approach to Winter Health

Colds and flu are a familiar part of winter, but concern doesn’t need to turn into worry. Staying informed, taking practical preventative steps and knowing when to seek support can help you move through the season with confidence.

By looking after your own wellbeing — and using NHS services thoughtfully — we can all play a small part in reducing winter pressures while staying as healthy as possible.

Food supplements should not be used as a substitute for a varied, balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle.