The REAL reason you always get sick at Christmas

Germs go with winter like turkey goes with stuffing, but amidst all the present wrapping, party planning and prepping, there are ways to help yourself stay well

- DR HELEN WALL

Feeling the strain of Christmas? Yes, there's definitely too much to do and not enough time to do it. And, as if that isn't reason enough to lose your head (and apologies for being the voice of doom), there's also a good chance that you're about to drop to the wayside with illness.

Whether it's a niggly cough and the sniffles, the dreaded COVID-19, flu or the ghastly winter vomiting bug, why does this always seem to happen at the worst possible time?

December doom and gloom

Unfortunately, the weather can play a big part. Cold dark days mean that we mainly spend our times together indoors, central heating blasting and windows firmly shut. That summer stroll to work? It's long gone, and public transport is as packed as our December calendar, meaning cards and presents aren't all we're giving to each other.