As the holiday season approached last year, many turned to the NHS website for guidance, resulting in a remarkable increase in visits concerning drinking while breastfeeding.

New statistics reveal that this topic attracted significant attention during the festive period of Christmas and Boxing Day in 2023.

Among the most frequently accessed pages during this time were those offering advice on managing coughs, colds, and chest infections.

Interestingly, while some holiday revelers were looking for information on how to safely drink alcohol while nursing, there was also a notable uptick in interest surrounding alcohol poisoning and animal bites.

A Closer Look at the Numbers

In the 48 hours of Christmas last year, the NHS website recorded 19,170 visits to its page concerning the winter vomiting norovirus, followed closely by 17,398 visits for chest infections—averaging about one search every 10 seconds.

Interestingly, visits for diarrhoea and vomiting information hit 11,789.

While the number of inquiries related to breastfeeding and alcohol was comparatively lower, an impressive 146% surge was noted—jumping from 1,028 visits the week before Christmas to 2,526 over the holiday.

The NHS clearly states that although an occasional drink may not pose a risk to nursing infants, alcohol does transfer into breastmilk, with potential harm from regular overindulgence.

The Holiday Safety Net

During the festive season, queries regarding alcohol poisoning also saw a striking 60% rise, escalating from 1,268 to 2,008 visits.

Pages related to animal and human bites drew 1,494 hits, marking a 33% increase.

In stark contrast, interest in rabies information shot up by 123%, with views climbing to 1,564 from the previous week’s 700.

Moreover, visits regarding burns and scalds surged by 50%, reaching 2,748 from 1,782.

Prof. Sir Stephen Powis, NHS England's medical director, emphasized the urgency for accessible information, especially during a time when injuries and accidents can frequently occur.

His advice? The NHS website and NHS App stand ready to assist anyone suffering from holiday mishaps—whether it's a burn from the Christmas turkey or pesky winter viruses.

Remember: Help Is Just a Click Away

The NHS continues to reassure the public that help is always available, emphasizing that anyone requiring emergency assistance should not hesitate to contact 999 or dial 111 for less urgent concerns.

In a season filled with celebration, it's crucial to stay informed and safe.

So, as you toast to the holidays, remember: knowledge is power—especially when it comes to health.

Stay safe and informed this festive season!