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Flu is a viral infection that is more common in the winter months, although you can catch the flu at any time of the year. Usually about to 15% of people get the flu each year.
The common symptoms of flu are:
The symptoms are usually worst 1 – 3 days after becoming infected and then gradually ease over several days. Most people will have recovered fully within one week; however, you may still feel tired and have an irritating cough for a number of weeks.
Certain people, such as young children, the elderly, pregnant women and people with chronic medical conditions are at risk of complications from the flu that can be serious and can even cause death.
Both infections are caused by viruses and their symptoms can often be confused.
| Symptoms | Seasonal flu | Cold |
|---|---|---|
| Fever | High fever lasts 3-4 days | Rare |
| Headache | Prominent | Rare |
| General Aches, Pains | Usual; often severe | Slight |
| Fatigue, Weakness | Can last up to 2-3 weeks | Quite mild |
| Extreme Exhaustion | Early and prominent | Never |
| Stuffy Nose | Sometimes | Common |
| Sneezing | Sometimes | Usual |
| Sore Throat | Sometimes | Common |
| Chest Discomfort, Cough | Common; can become severe | Mild to |
| moderate hacking cough |
Flu is caused by the influenza virus. The virus is highly infectious and is spread in small droplets of fluid coughed or sneezed into the air by an infected person. These droplets can be inhaled by another person, infecting them. The virus can also survive on surfaces for 24 hours. If a person touches the contaminated surface and then touches their nose or mouth, they can then become infected with the flu.
For most people, their immune system will clear the virus and their symptoms will improve within about a week. It is important to rest, keep warm and drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration.
Paracetamol and/or ibuprofen can help lower your temperature and relieve aches and pains.
Decongestants, sinus rinses, throat lozenges can help to relieve symptoms.
If you have an underlying health condition you may be at increased risk of developing complications from the flu and your doctor may prescribe antiviral medicines for you. These do not cure the flu; they stop the virus multiplying in your body which can relieve some of the symptoms and reduce the chance of developing serious complications. They need to be started within 48 hours of the first flu symptoms to be effective.
Antibiotics do not treat the flu as they have no effect on viruses. They are used to treat secondary chest/sinus/ear infections caused by bacteria.
The seasonal flu vaccine is the only safe, effective way to prevent flu infection. It will prevent infection in 70% – 90% of people. The vaccine helps your immune system to produce antibodies to the flu virus so if you come in contact with the flu, these antibodies attack the flu.
Vaccination is strongly recommended for:
The vaccine cannot give you the flu. It does, however, take 10 – 14 days to provide protection against the flu and therefore you can still catch the flu during that period. The flu virus changes each year, so it is important to get vaccinated every year.
