UK households are being urged to eat three specific foods as cases of colds, flu, norovirus and coronavirus are expected to keep rising, with the American Covid XFG variant currently spreading faster as cases and hospital admissions rise month on month.
Reports of cases and hospital admissions both jumped month-on-month, prompting the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) to issue new advice to households on what to do and how to react. UKHSA data shows that positive Covid test rates rose to around 7% in September, with hospital admission rates increasing by approximately 50% over the same period. These increases have been observed consistently across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, as well as across Europe and the United States.
Why cases are rising
The health agency said that there are likely to be 'several factors' behind the current rise. As we move into winter, colder and wetter weather means people spend more time indoors, which enables the spread of respiratory viruses. It has also been roughly a year since the last significant COVID-19 wave, so immunity from vaccination and previous infection may be waning in parts of the population, making people more susceptible.
Diet expert and public health nutritionist Dr Frankie Phillips has previously issued advice on the foods to eat to help prevent and to help recover from flu, as well as other viruses like colds, Covid and norovirus. He said: "...This new research shows that many are unaware what vitamins and minerals are needed to support the immune system and protect children, teens and adults from seasonal illness, including Covid-19 and norovirus."
The three foods to eat
Dr Phillips added that there are three foods everyone should eat to beat viruses. Firstly, increase vitamin C intake, such as via orange juice, eat more foods like oily fish which contain vitamin D, and get more zinc in your diet via legumes, chickpeas and lentils.
He added: "As a nutritionist, here are three ways I fuel my body and beat the dreaded lurgy: Increase your vitamin C intake with orange juice: Vitamin C is a key antioxidant your body needs to protect immune cells. Just one 150ml glass of pure orange juice provides more than 80% of your daily vitamin C recommendation and contributes one of your 5-a-day.
"Get fishy with vitamin D: Vitamin D helps to regulate immune cells within your body. Having one serving of oily fish weekly provides a key source of vitamin D, as well as omega-3 fats which contribute towards a healthy heart. On top of this, everyone should be taking a daily vitamin D supplement to make up for the lack of sunlight in the winter months.
"Weave zinc into your diet with legumes: Zinc helps the immune system fight off harmful bacteria and viruses. An easy way to weave Zinc into your everyday diet is to increase your intake of legumes – including chickpeas, lentils and beans. Seeds, nuts, and whole grains are also rich in Zinc, and can be easily added to breakfast and lunch dishes."
