Doctor Advises on Key Health Steps as Summer Ends After Many Worked While Ill

As summer draws to a close, a healthcare professional has outlined five important steps to help individuals safeguard their health, especially after research revealed that almost half of people worked while unwell over the past few months. According to a study by Vista Health, 49% of respondents continued working despite feeling ill, enduring symptoms for an average of six days.

The study uncovered several reasons behind this trend. Nearly 30% of participants cited an overwhelming workload as their motivation for working through illness, while 19% were concerned about losing pay. Other reasons included the belief they could push through without rest, lack of available cover, and fears of accumulating work pressure. However, the consequences were notable: many experienced reduced productivity, with a quarter struggling to focus and a similar proportion feeling worse by the end of the day.

This pattern has left half of those surveyed worried about entering autumn already feeling fatigued or depleted.

Dr Reem Hasan, Chief Medical Officer at Vista Health and practising NHS General Practitioner, recommends five practical steps to support health as the seasons change:

Understand Your Usual Health Baseline Be attentive to new, persistent, or worsening symptoms and avoid ignoring them or hoping they will resolve without intervention, even when life is busy.
Prioritise Health Appointments and Screenings Do not delay booked appointments or screenings. The research found that 30% of Brits postponed health checks this summer by an average of six weeks.
Care for Your Mental Wellbeing Working while ill, cancelling holidays, or consistently neglecting your own needs can impact mental health. Seek support from trusted individuals or healthcare professionals if you are struggling.
Implement Small, Manageable Changes Avoid attempting major lifestyle changes all at once. Instead, adopt small, realistic adjustments that can be easily integrated into daily routines to create lasting habits.
Support Those Around You Check in on family, friends, neighbours, and colleagues, especially those under stress or managing long-term health conditions.

Dr Hasan emphasised: “Your health should never be put on hold regardless of the season. Symptoms don’t wait for life to become less hectic. Listening to your body, seeking advice when something feels off, and integrating preventative care into everyday life are vital investments in your future wellbeing.”

The study also revealed that 38% of people have either refrained from or considered refraining from calling in sick on hot or sunny days, fearing accusations of shirking work responsibilities.