Flu is a common infectious viral illness spread by coughs and sneezes. It can be very unpleasant, but you will usually 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's surgery. They are free if you are:
- Aged 65 years or over (including those becoming age 65 years by 31st March 2019).
- Aged from 6 months to less than 65 years of age with a serious medical condition, such as:
- chronic (long-term) respiratory disease, like severe asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or bronchitis;
- chronic heart disease, such as heart failure;
- chronic kidney disease at stage three, four or five;
- chronic liver disease;
- chronic neurological disease, like Parkinson's disease, motor neurone disease or learning disability;
- diabetes;
- splenic dysfunction;
- a weakened immune system due to disease (like HIV / AIDS) or treatment (like those for cancer).
- Pregnant (includes women who become pregnant during the flu season).
- Aged two, three or four years on 31st August 2018 via your GP's surgery.
- In school years 1 and 2 age, you will be offered vaccination via school.
- Living in long-stay residential care homes or other long-stay care facilities.
- In receipt of a carer's allowance or you are the main carer of an older or disabled person. Their welfare may be at risk if you fall ill.
- Household contacts of individuals with weakened immune systems can be considered for vaccination by their GP.
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 the vaccine but you will need to pay for it. Most pharmacies offer this service, including those in supermarkets.
Vaccinating carers and care staff against flu
Vaccinating carers stops them from catching flu. This 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 in receipt of the 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. By thinking ahead you can reduce risk and be prepared, should the cold weather hit suddenly.
To prepare for winter weather over the coming months, please read:
More information
To find your nearest health service, please contact: Gateway to Care.
Follow our Director of Public Health on Twitter: @DeborahHarkins.