Flu
Overview
Flu will often get better on its own, but it can make some people seriously ill. It's important to get the flu vaccine if you're advised to.
Symptoms
Flu symptoms come on very quickly and can include: a sudden high temperaturean aching bodyfeeling tired or exhausteda dry cougha sore throata headachedifficulty sleepingloss of appetitediarrhoea or tummy painfeeling sick and being sick The symptoms are similar for children, but they can also get pain in their ear and appear less active.
Causes
Influenza viruses (A, B). Highly contagious via droplets (cough/sneeze) and surfaces.
Treatment
If you have flu, there are some things you can do to help get better more quickly. rest and sleep rest and sleep keep warm keep warm takeparacetamoloribuprofento lower your temperature and treat aches and pains takeparacetamoloribuprofento lower your temperature and treat aches and pains give paracetamol or ibuprofen to your child if they're distressed or uncomfortable – check the packaging or leaflet to make sure the medicine is suitable for your child, or speak to a pharmacist or GP if you're not sure give paracetamol or ibuprofen to your child if they're distressed or uncomfortable – check the packaging or leaflet to make sure the medicine is suitable for your child, or speak to a pharmacist or GP if you're not sure drink plenty of water to avoiddehydration(your pee should be light yellow or clear) drink plenty of water to avoiddehydration(your pee should be light yellow or clear)
Prevention
Flu is very infectious and easily spread to other people. You're more likely to give it to others in the first 5 days. Flu is spread by germs from coughs and sneezes, which can live on hands and surfaces for 24 hours. To reduce the risk of spreading flu: wash your hands often with warm water and soapcover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze (if you do not have a tissue, cough or sneeze into the bend of your elbow, not into your hand)bin used tissues as quickly as possible Try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people if you have a high temperature or you do not feel well enough to do your normal activities.
When to see a doctor
Contact GP/111 if: risk group (65+, pregnant, chronic conditions); symptoms worsening/not improving after 7 days. Call 999: chest pain, difficulty breathing, coughing blood.