The NHS have urged Brits who have been struck down by the 'quad-demic' of illnesses sweeping the country to help stop the spread.
Socialising is a big part of the festive season, but unfortunately, seasonal viruses stop for no one, which is why health bosses are asking people to do them something of a favour by staying away from others if you feel unwell.
Earlier this month, medics warned that a 'tidal wave' of patients were being hospitalised with flu, while coronavirus, norovirus and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) cases were also on the rise.
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This formidable foursome, which 'circulate every winter in different peaks', have been wreaking havoc over the last few weeks.
Dr David Lloyd, an NHS GP, previously told Sky News that the risk and complication rate of people catching all four of these illnesses at once spikes at this time of the year, which is why they are dubbed a 'quad-demic'.
He explained that December is the 'peak time' for them to spread due to all of the festive parties and Christmas catch-ups taking place, adding: "So even if you are fit and healthy, your chances of catching all of these illnesses is quite high."
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It seems as though every man and his dog has been contaminated with some kind of lurgy over the last few weeks, so the NHS has issued some fresh advice on how to keep healthy.
NHS Greater Manchester have shared some tips for staying fighting fit while enjoying the festivities, as well as asking those who aren't feeling great to 'take one for the team' and stay at home.
Experts reckon that these 'small, yet highly effective' steps could slash your risk of becoming ill over New Year or passing viruses on to someone else, with the latest guidance stating: "Supposed to be going to a Christmas party but feeling unwell? Take one for the team and stay at home so that everyone else doesn’t get ill."
So although you might have to swap your plans for 31 December for something a bit quieter, you could save your nearest and dearest from wiped out in bed for a week by one of the quad-demic illnesses.
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Swings and roundabouts, eh?
The NHS also encouraged Brits not to bypass good old H20 in favour of booze just because it's Christmas, adding: "It’s important you drink at least one glass of water with and between each meal to keep you hydrated, healthy and ready to fight off any germs."
Similarly, people were also reminded to eat fruit and vegetables - especially sprouts - to support their immune health, as stuffing yourself with festive chocolates won't really cut it.
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Other advice including staying active, staying warm and keeping good hygiene.
Ahead of Christmas Day, the NHS national medical director called on Brits to do what they can to minimise the pressure that hospitals are under.
Professor Sir Stephen Powis said (via The Independent): "The NHS has been hit hard with an early festive flu season, putting increased pressure on staff as they prepare for the long winter ahead of us.
"In response to the flood of flu cases so early in the season, the NHS has been making it as easy as possible for people to get protected with a jab, including vaccination centres in supermarket car parks and football clubs, helping protect almost 29 million people across England – while also opening up more hospital beds.
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"As children finish school and friends and families congregate over the Christmas period we expect viruses to continue to spread so if you haven’t got your flu jab and are eligible please come forward, and the public should think twice about seeing loved ones if they are seriously unwell."
So it might be best to cancel those plans if you're feeling a bit ropey, as you could easily take down another household too.
Olivia Burke