Dr Eoghan de Barra
Senior Lecturer, Department of International Health and Tropical Medicine, Royal College of Surgeons of Ireland, Consultant in Infectious Diseases
The festive season is, unfortunately, also the herald of the flu season. Dr Eoghan de Barra explains how we can prepare, protect and be proactive against viral infection.
With flu season in full swing, peaking approximately six weeks either side of Christmas, households must be prepared. “These illnesses will circulate, and preparation is key,” says Dr Eoghan de Barra, Consultant of Infectious Diseases.
Prepare
Many viruses circulate year-round but become more active in winter. Viruses survive longer in cold conditions, and people generally spend more time together inside, making it easier to spread. Alongside this, COVID-19, adds de Barra, “breaks all the usual rules, appearing in waves every 12-16 weeks”, which can create a “perfect storm” if it overlaps with flu and RSV.
He advises stocking up on the basics — paracetamol, ibuprofen, fluids, a thermometer and over-the-counter medications, as most viral infections can be managed with self-care.
Protect
Simple measures such as good hand hygiene, effective ventilation and staying at home to avoid the spread of symptoms can help reduce the risk of transmission. For some vulnerable populations, these measures are more important than ever.
Vaccination is one of the most proactive ways to protect yourself, giving you the ability
to enjoy a normal winter season, socialise and meaningfully reduce your risk
“There are certain groups who are at greater risk from illness over winter, including those with chronic health conditions, such as asthma and chronic lung disease; those aged over 65 or under 2; and people with weakened immune systems,” explains de Barra. Checking in on people to make sure they’re eating and drinking is important, but should be balanced with limiting their exposure to anyone unwell with a cough or a bad cold.
Be proactive
“Utilise the tools at your disposal. Vaccination is one of the most proactive ways to protect yourself, giving you the ability to enjoy a normal winter season, socialise and meaningfully reduce your risk. While vaccination doesn’t completely prevent infection, data shows a significant reduction1 in the risk of hospitalisation and risk of mortality, particularly when people are vaccinated against flu, COVID-19 and RSV,” implores de Barra.
And while there are added pressures on the healthcare system, that shouldn’t deter you from seeking professional assessment when needed. “If you’re in a high-risk group or have chronic health conditions, you should contact your healthcare provider sooner rather than later,” says de Barra. “If symptoms are more than the usual fever, aches and pains, including difficulty breathing or if you’re getting worse or not improving after 48 to 72 hours, it’s time to reach out for medical advice.”
[1] Scott, J. et al. (2025). Updated Evidence for Covid-19, RSV, and Influenza Vaccines for 2025–2026. New England Journal of Medicine. https://doi.org/10.1056/nejmsa2514268
