Flu

What is Flu?

Flu (influenza) is a very common infection of the upper respiratory tract (nose, throat, ears and sinuses).

What causes Flu?

Flu is caused by the influenza virus. There are three major types: A (often the cause of flu epidemics), B and C. The flu virus is constantly changing its structure, so new strains appear each year. The infection is contagious, passed on by tiny droplets and hand contact. We don't have immunity to the new strains, which is why we can catch flu repeatedly.

What are the symptoms of Flu?

A high fever (usually 39ºC or above), chills, headache, intense muscle pains, exhaustion, loss of appetite, cough and sometimes a blocked nose and sore throat. It may last a week or more.
How is the infection treated?

These are the best ways to treat the symptoms of flu:

• Take plenty of rest because the body uses a lot of energy fighting infections
• Keep warm
• Make sure you drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration
• Take paracetamol or anti-inflammatory medicines such as ibuprofen to lower a high temperature and relieve headaches and muscles aches
• Drink hot water with lemon, ginger and honey
• Antibiotics are no use to treat flu because it’s caused by a virus.

Specific antiviral treatments for flu are available, but generally these are only given to those at high risk of flu complications

How can I keep from getting flu?

The best way to avoid getting flu is to strengthen your immune system by eating a healthy diet, taking regular exercise, getting enough rest and relaxation, and not smoking. You should also avoid people who are coughing and sneezing, especially if they're not covering their mouth and nose.

Should I get vaccinated?

The UK has a safe and effective vaccination against flu, which is provided free by the NHS. It's recommended for people at greatest risk of harm from the flu virus.

People who are advised to have a flu vaccination include:

• Everyone over the age of 65
• Everyone aged six months or over who has lung disease (such as asthma), heart disease, kidney disease, liver disease, diabetes or lowered immunity
• Anyone living in a residential or nursing home
• People caring for those at risk of flu complications
  

Those most at risk are advised to have a vaccination every year. This is because the flu virus changes slightly every year. Scientists work hard to predict the strains of flu virus and develop vaccines against them.

Despite popular belief, flu vaccination can't give someone flu as it doesn't contain the active virus. It's true some people experience symptoms of a heavy cold at the same time or just after they've had the flu jab. This is simply a coincidence and the symptoms are usually caused by one of the many common cold viruses around in autumn and winter.

Remember, it's still possible to catch heavy colds after vaccination, as the flu jab only protects people from the flu virus, not other viruses.

The flu vaccination is usually available from around October each year. Anyone who thinks they need it should talk to their GP or practice nurse.