The 15-Minute Lunch Change An Expert Says May Banish Your Afternoon Slump

It feels like we went from 9pm sunsets to a black sky at half bloomin’ four in a matter of seconds.

And with increasing darkness comes the onset of seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and vitamin D deficiencies for some. That’s not to mention potentially dysregulated sleep and decreased physical activity, either.

So perhaps it’s no wonder that Brenig Moore, health and safety and technical officer at Astutis, told HuffPost UK: “Lunch breaks matter all year round, but more so over the darker seasons of autumn and winter”.

In fact, Moore said, a 15-minute change to your lunch break could be considered a “basic safety requirement”.

You should go for a walk on your lunch break in winter

Sunlight during winter is scarce, which can deplete your stores of vitamin D and even disrupt your sleep.

But it will likely be too dark to get enough of that sweet sunlight on the other side of your work day.

So, the Royal Osteoporosis Society’s advice – “to let the sun shine on your face or arms for about 10 minutes between 11am and 3pm” – might be best achieved for many on their lunch break.

“It is a basic safety requirement to get out and take a small walk for at least ten minutes to boost your alertness, mood and energy,” Moore revealed.

He added, “Short days mean your body’s natural wake/sleep cycle is disrupted. Even just fifteen minutes outdoors can help you avoid that mid-afternoon slump that leads to mistakes, stress and burnout.”

Even your joints struggle in the colder, more sedentary months, he continued.

“Cold weather tightens muscles and joints, and what’s going to make that even worse is sitting in the same office chair all day… Moving at midday resets posture and reduces aches that lead to long-term issues.”

It may be especially useful in times of high pressure, the health expert stated: “Winter workloads spike, but powering through kills efficiency… The people who pace themselves work smarter, not longer. A 30-minute break can save hours of tired mistakes.”

What are the other benefits of taking a walking break this winter?

“You may find your mood to be a lot lower in winter than it is in summer, and this isn’t uncommon,” Moore said.

“A break in natural light helps keep serotonin levels stable, and stops stress building up and overwhelming you.”

Not enough motivation?

“Constant screen time drains the brain. Stepping away at lunch resets concentration and judgement, which will lower the risk of accidents happening both at work and at home,” the expert ended.

“By going out and resetting your brain, you’re less likely to come back to the office or your laptop and make any mistakes. Some accidents may just be something as simple as not including an attachment in an email, but some accidents may be something that could cause injuries for you or others in the workplace.”

BRB, just putting my trainers on…

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Yes, Science Says Exercising In Winter Really Is Harder

Who was summertime me? I don’t recognise that running, strength-training, “Japanese walking” powerhouse – winter me is an immobile hermit.

I know, I know, staying active in the colder months is great for your health.

But I just can’t bring myself to work out often now that the clocks have gone back. The motivation simply won’t kick in.

If that sounds like you, though, some reassuring (or depressing, depending on your mindset) news: you’re not alone. There is real science behind your cold-weather sluggishness.

No wonder we tend to spend more time staying still in the final season of the year.

Why is it so much harder to exercise in winter?

If you are a member of the many people affected by Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), your motivation to head to the gym may be shot.

A paper suggested that vitamin D may potentially increase athletic performance, though more research is needed. Many of us lack the vitamin, linked to bone, muscle, and tooth health, in the darker months, the NHS said.

Some research conducted on military service members suggested that “The combination of cold temperatures with other environmental stressors, including altitude, wind, and wet environments, exacerbates the overall metabolic strain on military service members.”

In other words, it just takes more out of you to work out when it’s chilly out.

Another paper found that people who stood outside in the cold before attempting cycling saw a decrease in performance of 30%.

Your muscles might not work as well in the cold, either (in fact, they can tense up so much in response to cool weather that it may increase your risk of injury).

Want to warm them up ahead of your training session? Fine – but that might take you more energy, too.

More great news: once you’ve completed a chilly session, your hormones may make you hungrier than you would have been if you’d exercised in warmer weather.

How can I motivate myself to work out in winter?

BBC Sports recommends reframing sport as “me time,” working out with others, wrapping up warm, changing your routine to an indoor one, and rewarding yourself when you do get active.

PureGym says that sticking to a routine and seeing exercise as a way to get sunlight – which can help you regulate your sleep, especially after the clock change – may help too.

Even committing to a quick burst of activity on your lunch break can be useful, experts told TODAY.

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Sourdough Bread May Have Health Benefits, But Some Doctors Recommend Reading The Label Carefully

We don’t know for sure whether sourdough bread definitely has health benefits.

But dietitians like Lizzy Traxler, MS, RDN, also a diabetes educator at University Hospitals, say: “Over time, and in combination with other healthy lifestyle choices and a balanced diet, choosing sourdough over regular bread may provide numerous health benefits.”

These, she told University Hospitals, may include improved digestion. “The improved mineral absorption from the fermentation process supports cardiovascular function,” they add (this might be especially true of sourdough rye bread).

And the British Heart Foundation says sourdough bread may make your blood rise more slowly, too.

So why did Dr Karan Rajan, an NHS surgeon and author, advise we “check the ingredients list” on sourdough loaves before buying?

“Sourfauxs” use different fermentation methods

Quality wholegrain, sourdough, and high-fibre breads may contribute to the “replacement of hyper-palatable baked goods, which are high in sugar, fat, and salt,” which can be beneficial to our health, a 2023 paper reads.

But, they add, one of the reasons sourdough research is so tricky is because “there is no established and internationally recognised legal definition of sourdough bread”. In fact, they found, the artisanal products usually included in trials may differ from the sorts found on most shelves.

“Analysis of bread samples purchased in the market showed that most of these had pH levels of >5.0, substantially above desired levels of pH 4.5 to obtain desired changes in composition,” they wrote.

This paper did not say that this difference definitely meant one was better than the other, or that the higher pH versions were sourfauxs ― though traditional sourdoughs tend to have a lower pH, which is linked to their sour taste.

But if you would like to eat sourdough made from traditional starter, Dr Rajan advises you look at the labels of sourdough breads in search of “added yeast”.

“Authentic sourdough doesn’t mention any added yeast,” he explained, “because it uses a natural fermentation process.”

He added, “Imitation sourdough, or ‘sourfauxs,’ often contain commercial yeast like baker’s yeast and even chemical raising agents like baking powder in addition to, or instead of, live sourdough starter culture.”

To be clear, the doctor didn’t say there’s anything wrong with eating non-sourdough bread.

It’s just that he felt it was important consumers know what they’re really buying (especially considering sourdough bread could be easier for people who usually struggle to digest food to eat).

The Real Bread Campaign has called for more research into the topic. For now, though, the group, which is against “sourfaux” breads, list some studies which suggest the real thing might have some health benefits.

Why might supermarkets create “sourfaux” breads?

“Sourdough” is not a legally-protected term, Swie Joo, head baker at The Palmerston restaurant in Edinburgh, told The Independent (like Dr Rajan, by the way, the chef advised customers to check for the word “yeast” on packages if you want a traditional sourdough loaf).

That means you can add commercial, or non-fermented, yeast to “sourdough” breads.

This can make the rise of bread more predictable and easier to replicate. It can be cheaper and less time-consuming, too.

The combination could make mass production a lot easier.

The Real Bread Campaign write that their campaign “is to better protect us from the risk of being misled by cynical marketing and to allow us all to make better-informed choices about the food we eat”.

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I Tried ‘Movement Snacking’ At Work, And My Back Has Never Felt Better

In my youth (read: a couple of months ago, when it was still bright out), I tried “Japanese walking,” “Jeffing,” and strength training to stay active.

Now that it’s cold and dark, and I have adopted the appropriate hermit lifestyle, it’s more about walking in what little daylight I can access and, to be honest, skipping the gym.

This is not, I know, good for me. Staying active in winter is good for our mental health and can even help to regulate our sleep as daylight disappears.

But I need to be realistic, too: I work from home and rarely feel up for getting my good (well, non-PJ) togs on of a gloomy evening or dark morning.

So, I began to try “movement snacking” – a trend that allows me to incorporate tiny workouts in between typing flurries.

Now, I can’t imagine a work week without it. It’s helped my upper back and shoulder pain a lot, too – I feel a lot less stiff and sore.

A quick midday walk on the left: stretching on the right

Amy Glover / HuffPost UK

A quick midday walk on the left: stretching on the right

What is “movement snacking”?

It involves including multiple small movement sessions, like 10 squats or a five-minute walk, into your day rather than relying on a single large block of exercise.

A 2022 paper found that even one-minute bursts appeared to have health benefits in small proof-of-concept studies.

And a 2025 systematic review showed that “movement snacks” lasting at least five minutes, performed twice daily or more, “improved cardiorespiratory fitness in physically inactive adults”.

For me, that took the form of a couple of squats after writing an article or a little turn around the block during lunch. I reckon I spend, on average, about three to five minutes on roughly four sessions.

Speaking to HuffPost UK, Dr Suzanne Wylie, GP and medical adviser for IQdoctor, said: “I think ‘movement snacking’ is an excellent and very sustainable approach to maintaining musculoskeletal health, especially for people with sedentary jobs.

“It’s realistic, easy to integrate into a busy day, and doesn’t require special equipment or a gym setting. Even a minute or two of stretching, shoulder rolls, or walking around every 30–60 minutes can have cumulative benefits for your comfort, flexibility, and energy levels.”

The doctor added that she often recommends similar approaches to her patients, “as small, consistent movements can make a big difference to how the body feels and functions over time”.

Can movement snacking help with back pain?

I’ve noticed that my upper back feels a lot less tense and sore now that I’ve begun “movement snacking” (and I think it’s helped my midday mood, too).

According to Dr Wylie, the two may be related.

“It’s very plausible that your improvement is directly linked to practising ‘movement snacking,’” she shared.

“When we remain seated for prolonged periods, particularly when working at a desk or computer, the muscles in the shoulders, upper back, and neck can become tense and shortened, while the supporting postural muscles weaken over time.

“This can lead to stiffness, discomfort, and even tension headaches. By incorporating short, regular bursts of movement throughout the day, you’re effectively breaking up those long periods of static posture.”

Exercise snacking may help, the GP ended, because “These brief stretches and mobility exercises help improve blood flow to the muscles, reduce joint stiffness, and encourage better posture”.

In other words, the trend may help more than your back – after all, some experts think it can help to manage your blood pressure, improve your heart health, and even support your metabolism too.

The best bit? From my experience, you won’t even notice you’re doing it – it’s so fun and easy, and helps to break up an otherwise monotonous stretch.

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Over-70s With This Hobby May Be 39% Less Likely To Develop Dementia

Not only are hobbies great for your mental health, but researchers and neuroscientists increasingly think they might help to protect your brain as you age too.

Take reading, for instance.

Some research suggests that reading twice a week or more can lead to decreased cognitive impairment, while neurologist and author of How To Prevent Dementia, Dr Richard Restak, said: “Reading for pleasure is perhaps the single most effective activity you can engage in for increasing cognitive reserve”.

And now, a new study published in the International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry has linked listening to music to a significantly decreased rate of dementia among over-70s.

Why might listening to music decrease dementia risk?

In this study, scientists looked at 10,893 Australian participants who were aged 70 and older.

None of them had dementia when the study began.

The researchers used Cox proportional hazard regression models to work out whether participants’ levels of music engagement (be it listening to music, playing an instrument, or a combination of both) seemed to be linked to their dementia risk from year three of the sudy onwards.

They found that “always” listening to music was associated with a 39% lower risk of developing dementia among their participants, compared to those who “never,” “rarely,” or “sometimes” did.

Playing an instrument was linked to 35% less risk, meanwhile, and those who both played an instrument and listened to music appeared to be 33% less likely to develop the condition too.

Listening to, and playing, music (as well as doing both) was also linked to less cognitive impairment in this study.

These findings seemed to be stronger among participants who’d had over 16 years of education.

“These results highlight music as a potential promising, accessible strategy to help reduce cognitive impairment and delay the onset of dementia in later life,” the paper reads.

Does this definitely mean listening to music will prevent dementia?

No. It only found a link, and not a cause – we can’t say from this data that listening to music is the reason people with the hobby were less likely to develop dementia.

Study senior author Professor Joanne Ryan, however, said: “With no cure currently available for dementia, the importance of identifying strategies to help prevent or delay onset of the disease is critical.

“Evidence suggests that brain ageing is not just based on age and genetics but can be influenced by one’s own environmental and lifestyle choices.”

She continued: “Our study suggests that lifestyle-based interventions, such as listening and/or playing music can promote cognitive health.”

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From Sunsets To Sex: 7 Ways To Make The Most Of Long, Dark Nights

Now that the sun’s officially begun setting before 6pm in the UK, I have to say I’ve noticed a marked decrease in my motivation.

Sure, I’ll go on my morning walks – but it’s not the longer runs I enjoyed in brighter months, or even the strength training I know can boost my mood.

I’ve even fallen victim to “pumpkin spice fatigue” at work.

Science says I’m not alone, however. We exercise for an average of eight minutes less in the colder months, appear to do less housework, and generally sit and sleep more.

This might be down to decreased vitamin D levels, seasonal changes like SAD (a disorder which affects one in three people in the UK), or even gut changes.

Whatever the cause, though, I mostly care about how to handle the gloomy weather without feeling like I’m losing out – which is where the members of r/AskUK come in.

Recently, u/bobbydazzler1000 asked: “How do you get through these dark miserable nights in winter?”

We thought we’d share some of the best responses:

1) “Ex-Brit/current Scandinavian here, where we have ~3 hours of daylight during the winter. Lean into it.”

“Seriously, accept it, and celebrate it.

“Winter is now your excuse to be as cosy and extra as you can possibly be. You’re going to take whatever you enjoy in the summer and winter-ise it. You’re going to take what you can’t do (very well) in the summer and learn to love it.

“Hot drinks. Cosy blankets. Knit jumpers. Knee-high socks. Clompy boots. Dramatic winter coats. Saunas. Jumping into frozen lakes. OK, not that last one. Hot water bottles. Socks in bed. Heavy duvet!

“Exercise outside with more layers and high-vis clothes. Running is a whole new experience if you’re wrapped up warm and breathing cold air.”

Credit: u/bluntbang

2) “Do you like sunsets and sunrises?”

“They can be the most beautiful parts of the day and it’s actually lovely to get them at civilised hours (in terms of being awake and out of the house).”

“This! I go outside and watch the sunset every day, it’s great. Gives you that feeling of a beautiful view on a summer’s day,” u/Minimum_Leopard_2698 agreed.

3) “Vitamin D, and get yourself outside at lunchtime if you are working, if you can.”

4) “Wake to light if you can. I use a light on a timer to fade in and wake me gradually before my alarm goes off.”

“Try to get outside and see the sky in the morning.

“Embrace the cosiness of the season, celebrate the small, lovely things – autumn leaves, chestnuts, mulled wine, a nice fire and a thick blanket.”

Credit: u/DocMillion

“Get a book on it and enjoy.”

6) “I live in the North of Scotland, so I feel you! For me, it’s vitamin D supplements, getting outside as much as I can and making a concerted effort to go out and do things with friends and family.”

“I struggle with my mental health, so for me it’s all about being conscious that I’m susceptible to SAD and recognising the signs (which usually involve not getting dressed properly when working from home and not wanting to socialise, just stay in and get cosy).”

7) “Sex, more sex, and even more sex.”

“This is exactly why more babies are born in summer months.”

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Ask A GP: When Should I Worry About Fatigue?

According to YouGov, a third of UK adults say they feel tired about half of the time.

Some research suggests 5-7% of people who see their GP complain of fatigue, and recent surveys say the average British adult only gets three nights of decent kip a week.

No wonder it feels like everyone, everywhere, is constantly exhausted.

But if we’re all so wiped out, how can we be expected to tell “normal” tiredness from more concerning fatigue?

Here, we asked Dr Suzanne Wylie, GP and medical adviser for IQdoctor, when to worry.

When should I see a doctor about fatigue?

Speaking to HuffPost UK, Dr Wylie explained that fatigue “is a very common complaint in general practice and, in most cases, is related to lifestyle factors such as lack of sleep, stress, or overwork”.

But sometimes, it can be linked to underlying health issues – and its persistence can be a red flag.

“As a GP, I would suggest that you should start to worry about fatigue if it is persistent, lasting more than a few weeks, or if it is unexplained by your usual activities or recent events,” she said.

Aside from longer-lasting fatigue, exhaustion with other symptoms should be investigated, too.

“You should also seek medical advice if the tiredness is accompanied by other symptoms such as unintentional weight loss, night sweats, fevers, breathlessness, chest pain, persistent cough, or changes in bowel habit,” the GP said.

Meanwhile, fatigue linked to low mood, disrupted sleep, and a loss of interest in hobbies “may indicate depression or anxiety, which also warrants assessment”.

She added, “Additionally, if you notice symptoms such as increased thirst or urination, palpitations, dizziness, or heavy menstrual bleeding, it could point towards conditions like diabetes, thyroid disease, or anaemia”.

Anything else?

Per the NHS, you should see your doctor if fatigue lasts longer than a few weeks, if it affects your day-to-day life, and/or if you’ve noticed other symptoms like unexplained weight loss or mood changes.

And if your partner or someone else tells you you’ve been “making gasping, snorting or choking noises when you’re asleep,” visit your doctor as this could be a sign of sleep apnoea.

“In short,” Dr Wylie ended, “while occasional tiredness is normal, persistent or unexplained fatigue, especially when associated with other symptoms, should always prompt a review with your GP”.

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How Much Matcha Does It Take To Cause Health Issues?

Mataha is having a bit of a moment – especially in the age group the BBC has dubbed “the matcha generation” (Gen Z).

The TikTok-viral drink, which is packed with antioxidants, is touted as both a luxurious treat and a health booster: it offers potentially anti-inflammatory ingredients, tastes great with strawberry, and looks grid-worthy in a see-through cup.

But, a video by surgeon Dr Karan Rajan revealed, too much can sometimes cause health issues.

Very high consumption over a long period of time can inhibit iron absorption, and women “of reproductive age” (so a lot of the trendy drink’s fans) might be at a higher risk, he added.

Here, we spoke to Dr Suzanne Wylie, GP and medical adviser for IQdoctor, about how much matcha is too much, and why it might affect your health.

Some matcha may be good for you

Speaking to HuffPost UK, Dr Wylie said that there really may be some health advantages to the popular green drink.

“Matcha, a finely ground powdered green tea, is celebrated for its high antioxidant content, notably epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which is linked to various health benefits, including improved focus and metabolism,” she explained.

“However, matcha also contains tannins and catechins, polyphenolic compounds that can bind to non-heme iron (the type found in plant-based foods) in the digestive tract, reducing its absorption.

“This effect is more pronounced in matcha due to its concentrated form, which retains the whole tea leaf, unlike traditional steeped teas.”

Therefore, she explained, it’s important to drink it in moderation.

Wondering how much is too much? “For most individuals, moderate matcha consumption, typically one cup per day, is considered safe and unlikely to cause significant health issues,” she said.

“However, excessive intake, especially when consumed with iron-rich meals or supplements, can lead to decreased iron absorption over time.”

How can I lower my risk of developing anaemia from matcha?

The first step is to drink less of it if you’re having loads, but Dr Wylie said those aren’t the only steps matcha lovers can take.

“It’s advisable to consume matcha between meals rather than with or immediately after meals rich in non-heme iron,” she said.

“Additionally, pairing iron-rich foods with vitamin C can enhance iron absorption. If iron supplementation is necessary, it’s best to take it at least one to two hours apart from matcha consumption.”

Those who should pay particular attention to their intake include vegetarians, vegans, menstruating individuals, and those with known iron deficiencies.

“Symptoms of iron deficiency may include fatigue, weakness, and pale skin,” the GP ended.

If you think you might have iron deficiency anaemia, the NHS says you should see your doctor.

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5 Steps A Sleep Expert Takes To Wake Up Feeling Refreshed

It’s not just you: autumn is a uniquely fatiguing season.

And with the upcoming clock changes, some of us might feel even more tired than usual. Some research suggests that even though we technically “gain” an hour’s sleep, most of us don’t actually rest for an extra 60 minutes.

Instead, Harvard Health writes, we’re actually more likely to wake up in the middle of the night, get up earlier, and struggle to nod off in the first place.

This makes the advice from Dr Deborah Lee, a sleep expert from Doctor Fox, more welcome.

Working alongside Comfybedss, the doctor shared five tips for waking up more refreshed in this exhausting period.

1) Exercise in the morning if you can

OK, Dr Lee admits, most of us don’t exactly crave an early morning gym session – especially in cold, dark winter.

But “research has shown that doing a 30-minute workout with a medium effort will help you wake up a lot quicker than if you weren’t to reduce sleepiness,” she wrote.

It doesn’t have to be a HIIT session or anything intense: a walk will suffice, she said (plus, morning light is uniquely good at regulating our body clocks).

2) Protect your Circadian rhythm

Speaking of which, the doctor said keeping your Circadian rhythm (or body clock) regular is important in the winter months.

“A huge factor in this is routine, and ensuring you’re going to sleep at the same time each night and waking up at the same time each morning,” Dr Lee said.

“It isn’t just your sleeping pattern that needs to be kept in routine, but your daily meals, your shower and bath routine and your technology ‘switch off’ time.”

Sadly, the sleep expert said, that includes weekends too – tough, “but if you push through, then it will make your Monday wake-up a lot easier!”

3) Use natural light or a SAD lamp to wake up in the morning

If waking up to an inky sky is getting you down, Dr Lee says you’re not alone.

“When your eyes see light in the morning, it gives signals to your brain that it’s time to wake up,” she wrote, which can be “really confusing for the mind”.

The best option, she advised, is to “utilise natural light by opening the curtains and getting outside as soon as possible”.

But if that’s not possible, “Invest in a night lamp so that you can put it on first thing in the morning. Or, a [SAD] lamp.

“These lamps will wake you, so it won’t be such a shock to the eyes when there’s a big, bright light next to you.”

4) Be picky about your breakfast

Though you might be tempted to grab some toast or a cereal bar in a rushed weekday morning, “but a breakfast that is rich in both carbohydrates and protein should make you feel more alert quickly,” the doctor said.

Opting for something sugary, like sweet cereals, can cause your blood sugar to spike and then crash, Dr Lee added – not ideal if you want to feel alert during that morning meeting.

5) Wait before grabbing that cup of morning coffee

It’s natural to reach for caffeine on a groggy morning. But per the sleep expert, the best results actually happen when you wait.

“You shouldn’t be reaching for the caffeine until at least 45 minutes after you wake up, as this is when the caffeine will give you the biggest fix,” she stated.

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Here’s How To Tell Regular Flu From Covid (According To A Doctor)

As we head into winter, cases of flu and Covid (including variants like Stratus and Nimbus) are expected to rise.

We’ve previously shared how to tell which form of Covid you’re likely to be dealing with if you notice symptoms.

But how can you tell Covid from a “regular” flu in the first place?

According to Dr Neel Patel from LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor, telling one apart form the other may be key as the cooler weather settles in.

“With [both flu and Covid circulating at higher rates, it’s important to know the difference between a cold and flu, or coronavirus and flu,” he said.

“Knowing which illness you might have means you can best treat yourself and protect others.”

Here are the different symptoms the doctor usually sees for both:

Symptom duration may tell them apart

Both flu and Covid share a lot of symptoms, including a fever, headache, chills, a runny nose, tiredness, aching muscles, and a dry cough.

“People with flu normally feel very unwell for two or three days and will continue to experience symptoms for around another five days. After that, you may feel tired and run down for a further two or three weeks,” the doctor said.

But “People with coronavirus usually begin to show symptoms five to six days after being exposed and symptoms commonly last up to two weeks,” he added.

Then, there’s the question of severity.

“It can be difficult to tell coronavirus apart from the flu as they share many of the same symptoms, however, they may feel more intense than having a flu,” Dr Patel said.

He added that you should seek immediate medical help if you notice:

  • Difficulty breathing at rest.

  • Confusion.

  • Loss of consciousness or drowsiness.

  • Constant pressure or pain in the chest.

  • Cold, clammy, blue, or pale skin.

  • Loss of speech or movement, regardless of whether it’s flu or Covid.

The only way to be sure is to take a Covid test

Though the flu and Covid can have different symptoms, Dr Patel said that “The only way to be certain whether you have the flu or coronavirus is to take a Covid test.

“While COVID-19 tests are no longer freely available on the NHS, you can still buy lateral flow, PCR and antibody tests online.”

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