What is Influenza?

Influenza, commonly known as flu, is a viral illness which usually strikes between October and May. The symptoms can easily be confused with those of a severe cold.

What are the symptoms?

The major flu symptoms in adults are:

• Intense weakness and tiredness.

• Fever – often accompanied by sweating.

• Joints and muscle aches and pain, especially in the back and hips.

• Couch – often accompanied by a sore throat.

In children, the symptoms often include diarrhea and vomiting. You may also experience the symptoms of a severe cold, such as a runny nose and a headache. Most symptoms clear up in 5 to 7 days, but you are likely to feel weak for some time afterwards and you may also feel slightly depressed.

It can be hard to tell if you have flu or a bad cold, but generally the flu starts much more rapidly than a cold with an immediate raised temperature, which can last 3-5 days. You can expect to loose your appetite with flu but not with a cold and to feel exhausted rather than tired.

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What should I do?

In most cases flu can be treated at home. Your doctor cannot give you anything to clear it up and antibiotics will have no effect. You should:

• Go to bed and stay there until you feel well enough to get up.

• Keep warm, but not too hot, and make sure the room is well ventilated

• Drink plenty of fluids and eat if you feel like it.

• Take regular paracetamol according to the dose on the label.

• Remember not to give aspirin to children under 16.

• Take it easy afterwards and don’t rush back to your usual routine. You are likely to feel weak and shaky for a couple of weeks.

• See your doctor if you have a raised temperature for more than a week.

Do I need a flu vaccination?

An annual vaccination is recommended for people over the age of 65years, and for those with asthma, diabetes or heart and lung disease. It is usually given in the autumn. Contact your GP’s surgery for more information.

For most people flu is a temporary, though unpleasant, nuisance. If you find your acute symptoms last over a week or if they are very severe you should consult your doctor

Can I do anything to avoid catching flu?

Obviously, avoiding close contact with anyone who has had flu is a good idea. However, flu is infectious before any symptoms appear, so this can be difficult. People are seldom infected by the same stain of flu twice because resistance develops within 2to 4 weeks. Dampness or cold weather cannot cause flu, but sudden changes in temperature can cause symptoms to appear more quickly.

Book your annual flu vaccination with our receptionist every August. We will carry out the vaccination in September/October every year.