An NHS GP has issued a stark warning to Brits, advising them to cut out alcohol and caffeine in order to speed up recovery from viruses. Speaking to Bella, he suggested that eliminating these substances could reduce dehydration and aid in bouncing back from illnesses.
Dr David Nichols stated: “Consider how much you’re drinking. Your body uses more energy when fighting an infection, so it’s really important to increase your water intake during this period. Avoid alcohol and caffeine too. Anything which dehydrates you isn’t going to help with a speedy recovery.”
Dr Nichols also emphasised the importance of proper nutrition not only in preventing infections but also in combating them. He added: “When you have flu or Covid, it’s not unusual to lose your appetite, but eating high protein foods can help with your energy and recovery.”
His advice comes as the UK braces for winter, a season notorious for increased cases of coughs and colds. With temperatures plummeting across the country, there are fears among experts of a potential ‘quadrupledemic’ – simultaneous waves of four illnesses, namely Covid-19, RSV, flu and norovirus.
GP Dr Roger Henderson raised the alarm in the Mirror last month about the potential for a ‘quadrupledemic’ hitting the UK this winter, which could put the NHS under unprecedented pressure.
He warned: “There is a risk that we could see a ‘quadrupledemic’ this winter, with COVID-19, flu, RSV, and a new superbug – the highly contagious norovirus – all in circulation. When these infections overlap, they pose a heightened risk, especially for the elderly, young children, and people with existing health issues,” reports GloucestershireLive.
Echoing his concerns, superintendent pharmacist Carolina Goncalves also highlighted the danger, cautioning: “The risk of a ‘quadrupledemic’ is quite real for some individuals.”
She detailed the threats posed by concurrent outbreaks of Covid-19, flu, RSV, and norovirus during the colder months, including back-to-back illness and the impact of seasonal factors, indoor gatherings, and weakened immune systems.
Goncalves also pointed out the severe risks associated with norovirus, stating: “Dehydration is one of the most serious risks associated with norovirus. Warning signs include dizziness, confusion, reduced urination or dark urine. These symptoms require immediate medical attention to avoid further complications.”
In the wake of alarms over a potential ‘quadrupledemic’, medical authorities have raised concerns about the surge in antibiotic-resistant conditions, as reported by SurreyLive. This issue has escalated to such an extent that it has caught the attention of the United Kingdom Health Security Agency (UKHSA).
The UKHSA’s Chief Executive, Professor Dame Jenny Harries, acknowledged the government’s efforts to tackle the crisis but emphasized that the public can also play a role.
She advised: “While we work with partners to innovate new approaches and life-saving treatments, there are steps everyone can take. Take up the vaccinations you are eligible for to help stop infections in the first place. Only take antibiotics if you have been told to do so by a healthcare professional.
“Do not save some for later or share them with friends and family. This isn’t just for your own health – it’s about protecting everyone in our communities and future generations.”