Winter holidays are fun, but sometimes seasonal illnesses or accidents can strike at inconvenient times, evenings, weekends, late at night. That’s why having access to reliable after-hours medical care is important. In this post, we outline which symptoms or situations should prompt you to see a doctor, even outside regular hours.

Cold, coughs, flu, many mild infections can be managed at home. But if symptoms worsen or persist (high fever, difficulty breathing, dehydration, severe cough), it may be time for a doctor’s consultation.
For children, especially infants, a persistent high fever or difficulty breathing should never be ignored.
The festive season often includes candles, heating appliances, holiday cooking, which can lead to burns, burns from open flame or hot liquids, or accidental injuries. While minor burns or kitchen accidents may be treatable at home, serious injuries, burns, or signs of infection need prompt attention.
Additionally, heavy festive meals, new seasonal dishes, or leftover storage mistakes, may lead to food-related illnesses, allergic reactions or digestive problems. If someone has persistent vomiting, dehydration, or allergic reaction, you should see a doctor.
Sometimes holiday stress, lack of sleep, or emotional overwhelm can exacerbate underlying health conditions or trigger anxiety. If you feel constantly fatigued, anxious, depressed, or mentally unwell, consider consulting a doctor. Night Doctor’s private out-of-hours clinic appointments are particularly useful when regular clinics are closed.
At Night Doctor we understand life doesn’t pause for working hours. Children get ill, emergencies happen, stress builds up. That’s why we provide:
Being prepared matters. Winter and the holidays bring unique risks, but many can be managed with awareness and timely care. If you’re unsure whether symptoms are serious or just seasonal discomfort, don’t hesitate to book an appointment at the Night Doctor. Early intervention often leads to faster recovery, and peace of mind.
Most mild coughs and colds improve within a few days, but you should see a doctor if symptoms last longer than 10 days, you develop a high fever, breathing difficulty, chest pain, or if the cough becomes severe or persistent.
You should seek a doctor urgently if a child has difficulty breathing, a persistent high fever, dehydration, extreme tiredness, rash, or seems unusually unwell. Babies under 6 months with any fever should be seen promptly.
Minor burns can often be treated at home by cooling the area under running water. However, you need a doctor if the burn is large, blistering, deep, on the face or hands, or if there are signs of infection such as swelling, redness, or pus.
Seek help if someone has persistent vomiting, severe stomach pain, diarrhoea lasting more than 24–48 hours, signs of dehydration, or any allergic reaction (such as swelling, wheezing, or hives) after holiday meals or new foods.
Yes. Ongoing stress, poor sleep, or anxiety can worsen other medical conditions or affect daily functioning. A doctor can advise on sleep support, mental health concerns, or lifestyle adjustments during winter.
Use Night Doctor when symptoms arise during evenings, weekends, or holidays and you’re unsure whether to wait for your regular doctor. This includes high fever, infections, children’s illnesses, urgent advice, or any worrying symptoms.