Gen Z take the most sick days for cold & flu - Fisherman's Friend the new face of self-care this winter

So move over hot lemon and stiff upper lips, as it appears that young adults aged 16-28 are taking a whole new approach to looking after themselves this cold and flu season.

According to the Annual Fisherman’s Friend Cold & Flu Survey 2025, the nation’s youngest workers are taking better care of their health than older generations, reporting similar numbers of cold and flu episodes to their older colleagues, but taking more days off work to recover.

The findings show that while nearly two-thirds (63%) of Gen Z say they’ve become more conscious about self-care in the past year, and they’re also the generation most likely to press pause when they feel run down. Six out of 10 (60%) have taken at least three sick days this year – the highest of any age group – compared with just one in 14 (7%) Baby Boomers aged over 60. Meanwhile, more than four in 10 Gen Zs (45%) claim to have taken four or more sick days for minor ailments, compared with just one in 20 (5%) Boomers.

Despite this increased downtime, Gen Z are not catching any more colds than any other age group, averaging fewer than four per year – in line with the wider population. But more than two thirds (67%) claim taking time off helps them to recover more quickly, higher than any other age group. And a similar number (63%) claim looking after their mental health when feeling well helps them avoid getting physically ill at other times of the year.

Rest, Recovery and… Retro Comforts

Indeed, when Gen Z do come down with something, their first instinct is to slow down.

More than four in 10 (44%) admit they stay in bed all day when sick – compared with just one in three (29%) Boomers. Comfort is key too, with one in six (16%) confessing they reach for a childhood teddy or soft toy when feeling under the weather.

Social media is also shaping the sick-day routine. Gen Z are 10 times more likely than Boomers to seek health hacks and home remedies online – with TikTok now the go-to “doctor” for 16- to 28-year-olds. Over a third (37%) say they’ve tried a wellness trend they discovered on the platform, from garlic-in-socks to lemon-and-honey “flu shots”.

But traditional healthcare? That’s a tougher sell. Just three in 10 (31%) of Gen Z turn to the NHS website or a GP for advice – compared with more than half (54%) of Baby Boomers.

Instead, Gen Z prefer fast, relatable, bite-sized wisdom from their peers.

Weird, Wonderful, and (Sometimes) Wise Remedies

From crystal-infused water to DIY immunity tonics, Gen Z are redefining the medicine cabinet. Fisherman’s Friends’ annual study reveals a host of both conventional and unconventional cures – from “vapour rub in a bowl of hot water and a towel over your head” to “raw garlic and hot blackcurrant”.

Yet it’s not all viral trends. Many still swear by time-tested classics: six out of 10 (59%) reach for lozenges when feeling under the weather, with Fisherman’s Friend remaining a top pick across all age groups – proof that even in the age of TikTok teas and digital detoxes, the humble lozenge holds its own.

Sick Days, Screens and Self-Care Guilt

Meanwhile, Gen Z’s proactive approach extends beyond remedies. They’re the generation most likely to schedule downtime, recognising rest as essential to recovery. But they also struggle most with sick-day guilt – with 54% admitting they feel bad about taking time off, even when genuinely ill. By contrast, only half as many Boomers (27%) admit to feeling guilty for taking time off work when they’re under the weather.

To cheer themselves up, Gen Z say they use social media to feel better, with almost all (95%) claiming that scrolling through comforting content – from cosy “get well soon” videos to nostalgic cartoons – helps their mental recovery. It’s a blend of digital companionship and mindful rest that older generations rarely consider part of “being well”.

Behavioural Psychologist Jo Hemmings, who analysed the findings from Fisherman’s Friends’ annual study, says this shows wisdom beyond their years: “Far from being work-shy, Gen Z are actually getting it right when it comes to self-care.

“They recognise that physical and mental wellbeing are closely linked – and that rest is part of resilience, not a sign of weakness. Taking time off early to recover properly can actually reduce longer absences and boost overall productivity.”

Regional Quirks: From Coastal Strolls to TikTok Scrolls

Regionally, Fisherman’s Friends’ study also uncovers some striking differences. Londoners were the most likely to turn to social media for advice (40%), while the Welsh are the least (just 21%).

Meanwhile, folks in Plymouth are most likely to swear by hot lemon drinks, and Liverpudlians lead the charge for lozenges.

In colder Northern Ireland, comfort reigns supreme – with over half (55%) admitting to wrapping up in a blanket when sick. But down in sunny Brighton, six in ten residents say they haven’t taken a single sick day for a mild cold – proving fresh sea air might just be a winning formula.

A Generation Redefining Wellness

Jon R. White, Regional Business Manager at Fisherman’s Friend, said: “Ultimately, our annual study paints a picture of a generation redefining what it means to “soldier on”. Gen Z are still working hard – but they’re also working smart, listening to their bodies, and challenging outdated attitudes that equate rest with laziness.

“Their approach might look softer – all duvet days and digital remedies – but the results speak for themselves: fewer sniffles, better recovery, and a generation that’s learned to look after body and mind in equal measure.”

Jo Hemmings said: “By giving themselves permission to rest and recover fully, Gen Z are showing us that the modern way to ‘keep calm and carry on’ might actually be to pause – and then carry on better.”