Workers who have attended their office Christmas parties in the last few weeks are complaining about being completely wiped out afterwards.
And nope, we're not just talking about a nasty hangover here.
With the year coming to a close, staff have been calling in sick after their work Christmas dos - and people can't figure out if they've got COVID or just a standard cold/flu.
Advert
"What many might think is just one winter cold that is causing havoc among a large proportion of the population is actually a range of different viruses and other respiratory infections which are hitting us at about the same time," Dr Babak Ashrafi - a GP for online doctor service ZAVA - told LADbible.
Dr Ashrafi says that previous Covid restrictions and social distancing have 'undoubtedly had an effect on our immune systems' and our bodies may have 'forgotten how's best to fight them off'.
"So catching a cold or flu this winter may leave you feeling a little worse than you would have before 2020, but bear in mind that without testing, it’s hard to know what you’re infected with," he said.
The doctor also reminded us: "It's important not to forget that these viruses replicate and survive longer in colder environments and are passed around more easily when we socialise more indoors.
"Added to that, our nasal immune defences are reduced in cold air, making it easier for us to be infected with this type of airborne virus."
Now, taking to X (formally Twitter) people are complaining about falling ill after their work Christmas parties.
"My mom and I are both sick. My mom was sick the past couple days but her fever broke," one person said.
"We went to an awesome Christmas party at the local GOP office and now I'm sick. Isn't flu season the worst, and on her birthday too."
"My office the past two weeks has been deserted cos of that flu everyone got at the Christmas party lol," another tweeted.
"So office Christmas party has been canceled cos half of the staff down with the flu and here I am part of the half in the office working," a third wrote.
"I have flu. Serves me right for all the Christmas party shenanigans. Farewell cruel world," a fourth, very dramatic user, said.
"Mann.. caught the flu at my job's Christmas party. I literally feel likes s**t" someone else wrote.
To avoid catching it, Dr Ashrafi advises people 'to wash your hands regularly, keep rooms well ventilated, throwing used tissues away, and if you’re unwell, wear a mask and try to stay at home until you’re better'.
Keep safe, everyone.
Anish Vij