An NHS GP has urged the public to stop ignoring flu symptoms and to stay home from work if unwell, as the health service faces an 'unprecedented flu wave' this winter. Dr Raj Arora, known for her appearances on ITV's This Morning, shared the plea on Instagram this week, warning that Flu A cases are surging across the UK and the NHS is under serious pressure.
'If it feels like everyone around you is sick, you’re not imagining it,' Dr Arora said. 'It’s not “just a bad cold”. People are getting hit harder, for longer, and hospitals are feeling it.' She added: 'If you’re unwell, rest properly. If symptoms are severe, get checked, and please stop brushing it off and going into work anyway.'
According to the NHS, flu is highly infectious and spreads easily through coughs and sneezes. Symptoms include a sudden high temperature, aching body, fatigue, dry cough, sore throat, headache, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, and vomiting. The NHS advises staying home if you have a high temperature or feel too unwell to carry out normal activities.
Amy Douglas, Lead Epidemiologist at UKHSA, noted that the highest rates are currently in children and those over 65. She urged parents to keep children with symptoms off school until 48 hours after symptoms stop, and advised against visiting hospitals or care homes when unwell. 'Washing your hands with soap and warm water and using bleach-based products to clean surfaces will also help stop infections from spreading,' she said.
For severe symptoms—such as sudden chest pain, difficulty breathing, or coughing up a lot of blood—the NHS advises calling 999 or going to A&E immediately.
