Flu is a common infectious viral illness spread by coughs and sneezes. It can be very unpleasant, but you will often begin to feel better within about a week.
You can catch flu all year round, but it is more common in winter. This is why it is also known as "seasonal flu". It is not the same as the common cold, it is caused by a different group of viruses. The symptoms tend to start more suddenly, be more severe and last longer. Some of the main symptoms of flu include:
- A high temperature (fever) of 38C (100.4F) or above.
- Tiredness and weakness.
- Headache.
- General aches and pains.
- A dry, chesty cough.
Cold-like symptoms, like a blocked or runny nose, sneezing and a sore throat, can also be caused by flu. They tend to be less severe than the other symptoms you have.
Flu can make you feel so exhausted and unwell that you have to stay in bed until you feel better.
I have flu symptoms should I see a GP?
Some people are at particular risk of severe illness like pneumonia if they catch flu. If you are concerned about your symptoms or they are getting worse, contact your GP. This is especially if you have a condition that puts you in the at risk group.
At risk groups
There can be a higher risk of severe illness if you have:
- Diabetes.
- Weakened immune system due to illness, like:
- HIV;
- or treatment, such as cancer patients.
- Chronic respiratory disease, like severe asthma and bronchitis.
- Chronic heart, kidney or liver disease.
- Chronic neurological conditions, like Parkinsons disease or learning difficulties.
- If you are pregnant.
The flu vaccine
The flu vaccination is to protect people from severe illness. Every year thousands of people are admitted to hospital due to flu and its complications.
The best way to protect you and your family is to have the vaccination. They are available in pharmacies, supermarket pharmacies and at your GP surgery.
From 1st September 2025, flu jabs are free for:
- Pregnant women.
- All children aged 2 or 3 years on 31st August 2025.
- Primary school aged children (from Reception to Year 6).
- Secondary school aged children (from Year 7 to Year 11).
- All children in clinical risk groups aged from 6 months to less than 18 years.
From October 2025 (date to be confirmed):
- Those aged 65 years and over.
- Those aged 18 years to under 65 years in clinical risk groups (as defined by the Green Book, Influenza chapter 19).
- Those in long-stay residential care homes.
- Carers in receipt of carer's allowance or those who are the main carer of an elderly or disabled person.
- Close contacts of those who are immunocompromised.
- Frontline workers in a social care setting without an employer led occupational health scheme. This includes:
- those working for a registered residential care or nursing home;
- registered domiciliary care providers;
- voluntary managed hospice providers;
- and those employed by people who get Direct payments (personal budgets) or Personal Health budgets, such as Personal Assistants.
Where to get the flu vaccine
If you are eligible for a free vaccine and are not a child getting it in school, you can:
- Go to your GP;
- or (for adults only) you can have the vaccine at a number of pharmacies in the local area. To find one near you, visit: Community Pharmacy (West Yorkshire).
If you are not eligible for the free NHS vaccine you can still get one, but must pay for it. Most pharmacies offer this service, which includes those in supermarkets.
Vaccinating carers and care staff against flu
This stops them from catching flu and is important because:
- As well as becoming a source of infection to others;
- the health of the person cared for may suffer, if their carer is unwell.
The vaccination is free to unpaid carers and those who get carers allowance. Health and social care staff should be vaccinated through their work.
Antibiotics
Flu is a virus and antibiotics do not work against viruses. Taking antibiotics can cause side effects like diarrhoea, but will not cure or speed up your recovery from flu.
If you have flu symptoms, visit your pharmacy or ask someone to go for you and describe your symptoms. There are many effective medicines available over the counter to help with your symptoms while you recover.
Staying warm and safe this winter
Winter is a time when people are more at risk of injury or illness. Think ahead to reduce risk and be prepared if the cold weather hits suddenly.
To prepare over the coming months, please read:
More information
To find your nearest health service, please contact: Gateway.
Follow our Director of Public Health on Twitter: @DeborahHarkins.