Understanding Flu Illness and How It Affects Us
Flu (influenza) is a contagious viral infection that can affect anyone, although it can make some people very unwell, especially those in higher-risk groups. Most people will recover from the flu on their own within a week or two, but it can cause serious complications in some cases. It's important to be aware of flu symptoms and know what to do to manage them effectively.
What Are the Symptoms of Flu?
Flu symptoms often come on suddenly and can include:
- A sudden high fever or chills
- Body aches and pains
- Feeling extremely tired or exhausted
- A dry, persistent cough
- A sore throat
- A headache
- Difficulty sleeping
- Loss of appetite
- Diarrhoea or stomach pain
- Feeling nauseous or vomiting
A pharmacist can help with flu
A pharmacist can give treatment advice and recommend flu remedies.
Do not take paracetamol and flu remedies that contain paracetamol at the same time as it's easy to take more than the recommended dose.
Flu in Children
The symptoms of flu are similar in children, but they may also experience ear pain and appear less active than usual. If your child is showing signs of flu and you are concerned, seek advice from a healthcare professional.
How to Tell the Difference Between a Cold and Flu
While both cold and flu share similar symptoms, flu symptoms tend to be more severe and come on suddenly. Colds usually develop more gradually and are milder in comparison. Flu can also cause more intense body aches and a higher fever than a common cold.
Managing Flu at Home: Self-Care Tips
If you have the flu, there are several things you can do at home to help speed up your recovery:
- Rest and sleep: Your body needs time to heal, so it's important to rest and get plenty of sleep.
- Keep warm: Staying warm can help your body fight the infection.
- Take pain relievers: Over-the-counter medicines such as paracetamol or ibuprofen can help reduce fever and ease aches and pains. Make sure to follow the instructions carefully, especially when giving medicine to children.
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, such as water, herbal teas, or clear soups, to avoid dehydration. Your urine should be light yellow or clear if you're drinking enough.
- Eat if you can: Even if your appetite is low, try to eat light, nutritious foods like soups, fruits, and vegetables.
If you're unsure which medicine is suitable for you or your child, or if you need advice on managing flu symptoms, a pharmacist can offer guidance and recommend over-the-counter treatments.
Antibiotics and Flu
It's important to understand that antibiotics do not treat viral infections like the flu. Flu is caused by a virus, so antibiotics won't help relieve symptoms or speed up your recovery. Only use antibiotics if they are prescribed by your GP for a secondary bacterial infection, which is a rare complication.
When to Seek Medical Help
In most cases, flu will improve within a week to ten days. However, there are times when you should seek urgent medical advice or help. You should contact a healthcare provider if:
- You or your child have flu symptoms and are worried about a baby’s or child’s health.
- You are 65 or older, pregnant, or have a long-term medical condition, such as diabetes or a heart, lung, kidney, or neurological disease.
- You have a weakened immune system, for example, due to chemotherapy or HIV.
- Your symptoms do not improve after 7 days, or if they get worse.
In an emergency, seek immediate help by calling 999 or visiting A&E if you experience:
- Sudden chest pain
- Difficulty breathing
- Coughing up blood
If you need urgent advice, you can also contact NHS 111 or visit their online service.
Flu and Pregnancy
Pregnant women are at increased risk of developing complications from the flu, so it’s important to contact a healthcare provider as soon as symptoms appear.
Preventing the Spread of Flu
Flu spreads easily through coughs, sneezes, and contact with surfaces that have been contaminated with the flu virus. To prevent spreading the flu, follow these steps:
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and warm water.
- Use a tissue to cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, and dispose of tissues immediately.
- If you don't have a tissue, cough or sneeze into the bend of your elbow.
- Stay at home and avoid close contact with others, especially during the first 5 days when the flu is most contagious.
Get the Flu Vaccine
The flu vaccine is the best way to protect yourself from flu and its complications, especially if you belong to a high-risk group. It is available for free through the NHS for people at greater risk, such as the elderly, pregnant women, and those with certain medical conditions. Talk to your GP or pharmacist if you're unsure about getting vaccinated.
By following these guidelines, you can manage flu symptoms effectively, protect others from catching the virus, and reduce your risk of complications. If you're in a high-risk group, consider getting the flu vaccine to help prevent illness.