Do you have a common winter illness or is it time to see a doctor?

Between shopping, wrapping presents, going to parties, seeing friends, and preparing food, there’s barely enough time in December to sit down for a quick cuppa, let alone sit in a doctor’s waiting room for what seems like hours.

According to data from BUPA UK, only 2pc of British people put "seek medical advice for health concerns" at the top of their to-do list around this time of year.

Still, most of us can survive with a few aches for a week or two extra while we get through Christmas, right? Well, yes, but data from BUPA’s self-referral service shows that between 12 December and 2 January, bookings to see consultants about serious issues such as cancer (-64pc), mental health (-21pc), and musculoskeletal problemss (-39pc) fall too.

The trouble is that we expect a bit of illness when winter comes around. Colds, coughs, and the flu are par for the course at this time of year. And while unexplained tiredness or muscle ache might be symptoms of a serious issue, they might also just be the result of carrying too many bags while Christmas shopping.

In short, how do you differentiate between feeling run down because of the season and a serious health problem?

The golden rule, says Dr Luke James, Medical Director at Bupa UK Insurance, is to use the acronym CUP: “Seek medical help for a Change in your health that is Unexplained or Persistent.”

Coughs and colds

Coughs and colds are common at this time of year. However, a cough could also be a sign of lung cancer or emphysema, so when is it time to see a doctor?

"If you're struggling with a cough you can’t shake off, or you start coughing up blood it’s definitely worth seeing your doctor,” says Dr James.

Trouble sleeping

Having sleepless nights isn’t uncommon at Christmas. Alcohol and rich foods from Christmas parties could be the cause, as could staying up late to watch all the Christmas specials on television. Still, your sleep patterns are worth keeping an eye on, says Dr James: “Difficulty sleeping more regularly could be a symptom of mental health conditions such as depression or anxiety. If you’re also experiencing symptoms such as a racing pulse, irritability or loss of self-confidence it is worth seeking help from a health professional.”

Mouth ulcers

Mouth ulcers are a sign of stress, the kind of stress you might normally come across when you think about hosting your in-laws for Christmas dinner, or dealing with 500 questions per day about whether or not Father Christmas is real. Usually these will heal after you’ve had a bit of time to unwind, but if they don’t disappear for three weeks or more or if they start bleeding, it’s time for a trip to the doctor.

A change in bowel habits

Rich foods like cake, cream, sherry, and a plate piled high with roasts are a recipe for a bad stomach. Coincidentally, that’s exactly the kind of stuff we love to eat at Christmas. But just because you’ve had a rough bout of stomach pains, that doesn’t mean you should start diagnosing yourself, says Dr James.

“Our research found that in a quarter of cases like this, Brits diagnose themselves with a dietary issue, such as lactose or gluten intolerance. However, a persistent or unexplained change in bowel habits, may be the sign of a more serious issue.

"We would always recommend you seek medical advice before changing your eating in order to ensure you receive the most appropriate treatment for your symptoms.”

Sad or SAD?

The hallmarks of winter are short days and cold weather, both of which conspire to ensure that we get less natural sunlight than usual around this time of year. Which means less vitamin D, which has been linked to happiness. And that can be a huge problem for our mental health, says Dr James: “In the lead up Christmas three in 10 people would ignore feeling low, anxious or hopeless – more so than in the summer months – despite the fact that these feelings can be symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder or SAD.

“If you also find that your sleep patterns, appetite and mood change in winter, it’s worth visiting a medical professional for some advice. There are several treatments they may suggest including self-help and light therapy.”

Unexplained weight loss

Plenty of us aim to lose a bit of weight as the new year begins, but if the pounds start dropping off faster than you had expected, it might be less a cause for celebration and more something to worry about. Dr James explains: “A variety of health conditions can influence our weight, from diabetes to depression. In some cases, unexplained or sudden weight loss can be a sign of more serious medical conditions. Seeking medical support can be the first important step for help or peace of mind.”