What is flu?
Flu is an infection of the breathing system caused by influenza viruses. It can make you feel unwell quite quickly, with symptoms often developing over a short period of time.
Flu is most common during the winter months in the UK, particularly between December and March. Although most people recover without specific treatment, flu can sometimes cause serious illness, especially in people who are more vulnerable.
How can we prevent catching it?
Dr Markides advises us to have the FLU VACCINE in the autumn months, in preparation for the winter surge of the virus. The vaccination helps to protect us as individuals, those we live and work with as well as the wider community.
It is spread by droplets- these can land in the mouths or noses of people nearby or inhaled into their lungs. You can also pick it up from contaminated surfaces if you then touch your mouth or nose.
People are able to transmit flu 1 day BEFORE they have symptoms and around 7 days after becoming sick. They are at their most contagious in the first 3 days of their illness.
Keeping a safe distance away from people (2 m) , avoiding crowds, frequent hand washing and wearing a mask can help reduce transmission. Keeping your body physically warm, especially your nose may also help to combat winter viruses. Dr Markides recommends wearing a snood or a scarf that covers your nose and mouth when out and about, can help.
Does the flu vaccine cause flu?
No, the adult vaccines contain no live virus, so you cannot catch flu from the vaccine. However, a small minority of people do get flu like symptoms after being vaccinated which can be very unpleasant for them. This is because they are feeling the immunological response more than most. To try and combat this, simple analgesia such as paracetamol or ibuprofen if tolerated, before the vaccine and in the days following, can help.
What are the symptoms?
Common symptoms of flu include:
- A high temperature or fever.
- A runny or blocked nose.
- Headache.
- Feeling very tired or generally unwell.
- Aching muscles and joints.
- Sometimes, nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea.
Dr Markides advises that most people begin to feel better within about a week. However, a cough and tiredness can continue for another couple of weeks or sometimes longer.
Who is at greater risk of complications?
Some people are more likely to become seriously unwell with flu. This includes people who:
- Are aged 65 or over.
- Are pregnant or have given birth within the previous two weeks.
- Have a long-term heart, lung, kidney or liver condition.
- Have diabetes.
- Have a neurological condition affecting the brain, nerves or muscles.
- Have severe obesity (a body mass index, or BMI, of 40 or above).
- Have a severely weakened immune system, for example because of certain illnesses or treatments.
- Are very young babies, particularly those under six months old.
Flu can also make an existing medical condition worse.
What complications can flu cause?
Although most people recover without complications, flu can sometimes lead to:
- Chest infections: including bronchitis or pneumonia. Pneumonia can be caused by the flu virus itself or by a bacterial infection that develops afterwards.
- Rare complications affecting the brain or nervous system: such as inflammation of the brain or the tissues surrounding it.
- Worsening of existing health problems: for example, asthma, heart disease or diabetes.
How can I manage flu at home?
Most people can manage flu at home without needing professional medical input.
You can help yourself recover by:
- Resting: stay at home while you feel unwell and avoid work or school until you have been fever-free for at least 24 hours, to help reduce the spread of infection.
- Drinking plenty of fluids: this helps prevent dehydration.
- Taking paracetamol or ibuprofen, if suitable for you: these can help relieve fever, headaches and muscle aches. Follow the instructions on the packet or advice from your healthcare professional.
- Allowing yourself time to recover: you may feel tired for longer than the main illness lasts.
Antibiotics do not treat flu itself because flu is caused by a virus. However, a healthcare professional may prescribe antibiotics if you develop a bacterial infection ontop of the viral flu.
When should I seek medical advice?
Contact your GP or NHS 111 if:
- Your breathing or chest symptoms are getting worse.
- You are becoming increasingly unwell.
- You are unable to drink enough or are showing signs of dehydration.
- You remain significantly unwell after about a week.
- You are in a higher-risk group and develop flu symptoms.
Seek emergency medical help if you have severe difficulty breathing, sudden confusion, or severe chest pain.
Can antiviral medicines help?
The most effective way to protect yourself against flu is to have the flu vaccination when you are eligible.
In some circumstances, a healthcare professional may also recommend an antiviral medicine, such as oseltamivir (Tamiflu). These medicines work against influenza viruses and may help some people recover more quickly.
Treatment is generally started as soon as possible. Starting treatment later than 48 hours after symptoms begin may be outside the medicine's usual licensed recommendations, although treatment may still be considered in certain circumstances.
How well do antiviral medicines work?
Research suggests that oseltamivir may shorten the duration of flu, but the amount of benefit varies from person to person. Some studies show that it reduces the duration of illness by 1-3 days. Side effects include nausea and vomiting.
Private GP services at Ramsay Health Care UK
Ramsay Health Care UK offers private GP services both in our hospitals and through online appointments. Seeing a private General Practitioner (GP) provides several benefits that can make it a preferred choice for many individuals, including reduced waiting times, flexible appointments, and personalised care. Find a private GP; either in person or virtually.