Christmas might be the most wonderful time of the year, but it’s also one of the busiest for hospitals and A&E wards.

From alcohol-related injuries to surging flu cases, the festive period creates a perfect storm of health challenges that puts enormous strain on the NHS. In December 2022 alone, over 2.2 million people visited A&E in England — a staggering 21.8 per cent increase from the previous year.

For so many nurses and medical professionals, Christmas is about managing overcrowded wards, comforting patients far from their families, and handling emergencies that don’t pause for the holidays. Many nurses work long, relentless shifts, often missing out on time with their own loved ones to ensure that others receive the care they need.

Taking small steps to manage our health can help ease the pressure on NHS services during the busy festive season. For minor illnesses or concerns, reaching out to a local pharmacist or calling NHS 111 can provide quick, helpful advice without the need for an A&E visit. By using these resources, we can avoid overloading hospital departments, leaving them free to focus on those who need urgent care, and helping them operate more efficiently during a critical time.

Vox pops: Our nation’s love and appreciation of the NHS runs deep.

The Christmas health crisis

What is it about the festive season that brings an uptick in visits to A&E?

Alcohol, often central to celebrations, is one of the biggest culprits. Even during a regular weekend, up to 70 per cent of A&E visits are alcohol-related, and this figure spikes during the holidays. From slips and falls to more severe conditions like alcohol poisoning, the impact is significant.

Similarly, heart health can take a hit during this period, with studies showing an increase in heart-related emergencies, sometimes referred to as “holiday heart syndrome,” due to overeating, high salt intake, and excessive alcohol consumption — which can raise blood pressure and trigger irregular heart rhythms.

The combination of indulgence, added stress and disrupted routines, can overwhelm the cardiovascular system — so, for individuals already at risk of heart disease, the festivities can increase the likelihood of a heart-related emergency.

RELATED: 10 early signs you might have heart disease

Maintaining a balanced diet, moderating alcohol intake, and managing stress are key steps in protecting heart health during this period. For those with existing heart conditions, it’s especially important to stay on top of medications and follow any advice from healthcare professionals.

Of course, seasonal illnesses like flu, along with other respiratory viruses such as COVID-19 and RSV (respiratory syncytial virus), also put tremendous pressure on the NHS. Last December, flu-related hospital admissions surged by over 40 per cent in a single week. If symptoms aren’t managed, respiratory conditions can lead to serious complications, especially in vulnerable groups such as the elderly, young children, and those with underlying health conditions.

Keeping kids safe

Research indicates that accidents involving children tend to increase over the Christmas period. The festive season brings changes to routine, excitement, and often a more relaxed approach to safety in the home, all of which can contribute to a higher risk of accidents. Here are a few key factors to be aware of:

  1. Increased home hazards: Decorations, fairy lights, and candles add festive cheer but can pose risks. Children may be tempted to play with ornaments, climb furniture to reach decorations, or accidentally knock over candles, leading to burns or falls.
  2. Toy-related injuries: Christmas gifts, particularly toys, can lead to accidents if they have small parts that pose a choking hazard or if children use them inappropriately. Bikes, scooters, and skateboards are common Christmas presents, and they often lead to an increase in serious injuries.
  3. Kitchen accidents: With more cooking and baking happening, children in the kitchen can be at risk of burns, scalds, or cuts.
  4. Alcohol-related supervision lapses: During holiday gatherings, adults may be less vigilant due to the distractions of hosting or alcohol consumption, increasing the chance of accidents.

The New Year ripple effect

The strain doesn’t stop after the tinsel is packed away. The New Year brings its own set of challenges for the NHS, as delayed health check-ups and the after-effects of festive indulgence come to the fore. Cancer screenings, for example, are often postponed during the holiday season, and thousands miss critical early diagnoses as a result.

Similarly, the combination of rich foods and sedentary habits during the holidays can exacerbate chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension, leading to increased hospital admissions in January.

WATCH: The Access Group and Northeast London NHS Foundation Trust (NELFT) are developing new integrated approaches to healthcare, including a virtual ward programme.

The unsung heroes of the holidays

Amid this seasonal health crisis, nurses and carers stand as the backbone of our healthcare system. Their dedication ensures that patients receive compassionate, round-the-clock care, often at the expense of their own holiday celebrations.

Christmas for many NHS staff means long, gruelling shifts in overcrowded hospitals. Yet despite the challenges, nurses continue to bring warmth and humanity to their roles, providing not just medical support but also a comforting presence for patients spending Christmas away from their families. Their resilience during the festive period is nothing short of extraordinary, and their efforts deserve our utmost gratitude.

How to support your health (and the NHS) this Christmas

While the NHS is there to support us, we can do our part to ease the pressure by taking better care of ourselves during the holidays. Here are some simple ways to stay healthy:

  • Moderation matters: Enjoy festive treats, but be mindful of portion sizes and alcohol consumption to protect your heart and overall health.
  • Stay active: Go for a family walk or try some light exercise to balance out the indulgence.
  • Don’t skip check-ups: Schedule routine screenings and health appointments early in the New Year to prioritise your well-being.
  • Be prepared: Keep basic medicines at home and know when to call 111 instead of heading straight to A&E for non-urgent issues.

Knowing when to seek help and which service to use can make a big difference, both for your health and for easing the burden on the NHS. If you’re facing a health issue that’s not life-threatening but still needs attention, dialling 111 is often the best first step. NHS 111 is a free, 24/7 helpline where trained advisers, supported by healthcare professionals, can assess your symptoms and guide you to the right care. For example, you can call 111 for advice on persistent coughs, minor burns, suspected infections, or medication queries. They might direct you to a local pharmacy, recommend a GP appointment, or even book you into a nearby urgent care centre.

When to head to A&E? Only use Accident & Emergency for conditions that are serious or life-threatening, like chest pain, severe breathing difficulties, heavy bleeding, or suspected strokes. These cases require immediate medical attention and specialised care that A&E departments are equipped to provide.

When not to call 999? Avoid calling 999 unless it’s a genuine emergency, such as a cardiac arrest, a serious road accident, or a life-threatening injury. Misusing 999 ties up resources that could be saving lives. If you’re unsure whether your situation is an emergency, NHS 111 can help you decide.

Additionally, for non-urgent medical issues, you might consider contacting your GP or visiting a pharmacy. Many pharmacies can provide advice and over-the-counter remedies for common ailments, helping you avoid unnecessary trips to the hospital. By choosing the right service, you can get the care you need while helping the NHS allocate resources where they’re needed most.

If you’re able to, stock up on necessary medications before pharmacies close for festive days. Ensuring you have a supply of over-the-counter remedies for common ailments like colds, flu, or headaches can help you manage symptoms at home without needing immediate medical attention. Essentials such as pain relievers, throat lozenges, antihistamines, and decongestants can all be useful in getting through any seasonal illnesses.

Additionally, if you take regular prescription medications, it’s important to check you have enough to last through the holiday period. If you’re running low, look to refill your prescriptions in advance.