Citrus Back In The Spotlight As Flu Cases Surge Across The UK

Citrus fruit is firmly back on the public health agenda as the UK grapples with a sharp rise in flu, colds, norovirus and Covid cases this December, with flu in particular spreading at pace.

Health figures published this week show flu hospitalisations have reached a record level for this point in the season, jumping 55 per cent in a single week to an average of 2,660 patients in hospital each day. The scale and speed of the increase has prompted renewed public health messaging around prevention, nutrition and immune resilience.

Health Secretary Wes Streeting described the situation as being driven by a “particularly aggressive strain” of flu, warning that the pressure on services is “probably the worst the NHS has faced since Covid”. Last winter, weekly flu hospitalisations in England peaked at 5,408, while the winter of 2022/23 reached 5,441, the highest levels recorded since the pandemic.

In response, some hospitals across the UK have reintroduced face-mask guidance for staff, patients and visitors, while others have moved in and out of critical incident status due to sustained pressure on A&E departments.

Against this backdrop, health experts are once again urging the public to focus on dietary support for the immune system, with citrus fruit highlighted as one of three key food groups that can play a role in maintaining general health during peak illness season.

Oranges, lemons, limes and grapefruits are well-established sources of vitamin C, a nutrient that contributes to the normal function of the immune system. While vitamin C does not prevent flu infection, regular consumption supports the body’s natural defences and helps protect cells from oxidative stress — particularly important during periods of widespread viral circulation.

Alongside citrus, experts continue to stress the importance of a varied intake of fruit and vegetables, providing a broad mix of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, as well as warm, nutrient-dense meals such as soups and broths, which help maintain hydration and energy levels when illness is circulating widely.

The message from health professionals remains consistent: no single food can stop flu in its tracks. However, as hospitals feel the strain and cases continue to rise, maintaining a balanced diet rich in fresh produce — with citrus fruit front and centre — is being promoted as a practical step individuals can take to support overall health during one of the toughest flu seasons in recent years.