Can you still drive if suffering from ‘superflu’? What UK drivers need to know

With cases of the so-called “UK superflu” rising across the country, many drivers are asking the same question: is it still safe – or even legal – to get behind the wheel when you’re unwell?

While there’s no specific law banning flu sufferers from driving, motorists can face penalties if their symptoms or medication affect their ability to control a vehicle.

With 'superflu' surging across the UK, drivers are asking if they can still drive? Photo by Vitaly Gariev on Unsplash

What is the ‘superflu’? Symptoms drivers should look out for

The so-called “superflu” is not an official medical term, but a nickname given to a particularly severe seasonal flu strain circulating in the UK. Symptoms tend to be stronger and longer-lasting than a standard cold, leaving many people temporarily unable to function normally.

Common symptoms include:

• High fever

• Severe fatigue and weakness

• Persistent coughing

• Sore throat and congestion

• Headaches and facial pressure

• Muscle aches

• Dizziness or feeling faint

• Poor concentration or brain fog

While you may feel able to drive with mild cold symptoms, the “superflu” can cause significant impairment, affecting reaction times, awareness and judgement. These symptoms alone can make driving unsafe.

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Is it legal to drive with flu? What the law says

The UK’s driving laws do not list flu as a condition that automatically bans you from driving. However, the Highway Code is clear: you must be fit to drive.

Under Section 92 of the Road Traffic Act, it is an offence to drive “in a position where you are unable to have proper control of the vehicle”.

This means:

• If your symptoms – such as heavy coughing, fever or dizziness – impair your ability to drive safely, you could be prosecuted.

• If you cause a collision while knowingly unwell or impaired, you may face more serious charges, including careless or dangerous driving.

In short: you can legally drive with mild flu, but only if you are well enough to remain fully in control of the vehicle.

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Cold and flu remedies could put you at risk of drug-driving

Many over-the-counter medicines contain ingredients that can cause drowsiness, slowed reaction times or reduced concentration. Taking these before driving can put you at risk of committing a drug-driving offence, even if the medicine is legal and purchased in a supermarket.

Some common medications that may impair driving include:

• Night-time cold and flu relief sachets

• Antihistamines

• Cough syrups containing codeine

• Strong decongestants

• Combination flu tablets

If a medicine can make you sleepy, dizzy or unfocused, you could be judged unfit to drive.

Always check labels for warnings such as:

• “May cause drowsiness.”

• “Do not operate machinery or drive if affected.”

If police stop you and believe your driving is impaired, you can be breath-tested, field-tested or taken for a blood test — even if the substance is a legal medication.

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Bottom line for drivers

You can legally drive while suffering from the UK’s “superflu”, but only if you are medically fit to do so and not taking any remedy that impairs your ability to drive safely. If symptoms are affecting your concentration, vision, alertness or coordination, the safest and most legally sensible choice is to stay off the road until you’re well again.

Scale of the current flu ('superflu') surge in the UK

Latest NHS figures available (12/12/2025) (hospitalisation data is the most reliable real-time indicator currently reported). 

• For guidance only. Check with a medical professional before driving, and check information leaflets on medications before driving.

 

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