To think winter will be worse?

[misschoices]

I am under the impression that winter will be worse than other winters.

Flu, colds and adding to that the coronavirus.

I'm thinking of sheltering more during the winter again, back to online shopping and not much indoor activity.

What are your thoughts? Am I wrong?

Honestly, no one knows. I am hoping it will be okay but I am preparing for it not to be

I wish the mask suggestion wasn't so controversial. I feel it may help stop the spread of any of the viruses and we could go on to shops and restaurants. But I have accepted that there are those who hate it (I do too at times, yet I wear one), and I don't have good feelings about this winter.

I will be seeing family but we are all wearing masks and social distancing when out.

Thankfully, no one in my family has gotten sick from covid and we have all tested negative. But I feel for the world, it looks bleak.

Masks are also unaffordable to some- so I'm not sure how we get to semi- normal?

@Juniperandrage

I'm feeling the same - trying to be optimistic but realistically it looks bleak to me.

Well that's what the media and certain scientists are saying! The truth is, none of us really know. The only thing we can do is prepare ourselves for the worst. Either way, there's nothing else we can do for the time being.

@tealights98

I will miss the typical winter of walking and seeing Christmas decor everywhere, and everyone out and about being jolly.

But it's one winter- I will get through it. I hope it's not as disastrous as some experts are saying.

@misschoices Like you said. Just one poor Christmas to get through. I don't think things would be the same this year anyway, regardless of if things were to get better, with people most likely still being quite fearful of each other.

I can't see how it will be. We will likely still have SD etc in place and everyone will. Be much more aware of germs etc. I think people will be plesently surprised by a lack of illness this winter. Just my opinion tho!

@Forgone90 I hope you're right! I would like to see the experts wrong and not go through the NHS being overwhelmed again! And being constantly told to stay home.

Is anyone panic buying again for Christmas? I never did, which made me stressed out during the height of the pandemic with shops having barely anything to buy.

I am now thinking about a small planning of buying certain things- which I probably won't do. I am not into bulk buying- never have.

I'll survive with whatever they have in the stores for Christmas dinner.

Wishing all of you a v. happy and healthy Christmas.

I definitely think it might be worth slowly and sensibly stocking up on things. We still have Brexit to contend with.

@Beebityboo

What actually keeps well that isn't tinned? I usually like fresh food but will be happy with alternatives.

What works for you best? I'm not that picky when the stores are out of almost everything. But I don't want to have a big stock of beans, fish, etc.

Is there anything else I can stock up a bit on that tastes a bit like fresh food?

My mum has a stock that'll be plenty to share with us for brexit.

I suspect winter may be worse as corona virus thrives in the cold weather but maybe the increased vaccination against flu and social distancing will reduce flu deaths.

I am going to steadily increase my stuff for Winter Miss, have already started on the stocking fillers. Will also increase cough syrup/lemsip, nasal spray, cough sweets etc when I get a chance.

@MarshmallowManiac

Are you doing frozen or tinned?

I am the worst for last-minute shopping at Christmas because deep-down I don’t like Christmas (grew up in a dysfunctional household where it was an argument-fest!).

But I bought Easter eggs in February, just in case (And we needed them as were self-isolating due to covid) - and this thread has made me think maybe I ought to get on top of Christmas shopping early this year. Well, there is a first time for everything!

I'd have thought flu wise it'll be better than usual since we are all still social distancing etc. I think more people will get the flu jab as well than usual.

@KatySun I am thinking of getting a roast and other bits for Christmas early as well!!! And freezing it, In case panic buyers leave the shelves empty.

Also. I'm thinking of purchasing some flour and chocolate for baking, tinned olives or in jars, frozen potatoes, other nibbles or whatever so I don't have to worry if nothing is left a few weeks before Christmas.

I normally don't do this type of thing, but I have learned a hard lesson during the height of the pandemic when I couldn't find a single thing I normally eat. It didn't last very long but it was stressful to deal with along with a new virus. I would like to have a semi norma Christmas with my family this year, with some traditional food for the week of.

@Rainbow12e

I am optimistic and would be happy to see it improve as well! But in case I'm wrong - I think I have to mentally prepare myself for anything at this point.

Im thinking this too.

Will buy a few xmas puds and mince pies early and some "fun" gifts for the kids

We have tescos delivery and theyve already now got the infrastructure in place for so much more home delivery so am not as worried as I now know how ti get food (local wholesalers delivered, greengrocers etc.)

Will try and keep food in stock (and loo roll) . Last time bough exrra printer cartidges, pens and pritt stick and so glad I did!

@PineappleUpsideDownCake

Our family always has prawn cocktail but I guess if the stores don't have any, we will have to adjust. It's just we always have them for Christmas, and it seems like I have to let go of 'tradition' now and adapt to the circumstances.

Gov have ordered more flu jabs than ever before - enough for everyone over 50! And I guess people will take them, so we might have a good flu season. Also going into work/getting on train coughing and sneezing was normal last year and this year a BIG No. So I am cautiously optimistic.

Last Feb we had no idea what was coming and the spread was rampant. Now we SD and know the symptoms. We should be much better.

I am dreading it tbh.I hate the winter and always become depressed and reclusive.The one th ing that got me through lockdown was sunny days and sitting in my small garden.I personally think th at people are doing what they want now...the people where I work anyway and if viruses do like the cold then we will be Sat indoors cooped up watching the death toll rise.
Obviously I hope I am wrong but I did read SaGE had said it will be worse in the winter in a meeting mid June.Sorry to doom and gloom