Seasonal flu and the flu jab

You can catch flu year round, but it is especially common in winter, which is why it is also known as 'seasonal flu'. Flu can give you any of these symptoms:

• sudden fever - a temperature of 38°C (100.4°F) or above
• dry, chesty cough
• headache
• tiredness
• chills
• aching muscles
• limb or joint pain
• diarrhoea or upset stomach
• sore throat
• runny or blocked nose
• sneezing
• loss of appetite
• difficulty sleeping

Your symptoms will usually peak after two to three days and you should begin to feel much better within five to eight days. However, you may have a lingering cough and still feel very tired for a further two to three weeks.

Treatment and the flu jab

If you are otherwise fit and healthy, there is usually no need to visit your GP if you have flu-like symptoms. The best remedy is to rest at home, keep warm and drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration. You can take paracetamol or ibuprofen to lower a high temperature and relieve aches.

Certain groups of people are more at risk of getting the flu and it being severely damaging to their health. These people are entitled to a free flu vaccination from the NHS. You are in an at risk group if you are:

• 65 years of age or over
• pregnant
• have a long-term medical condition, such as diabetes, heart disease, lung disease, kidney or neurological disease
• have a weakened immune system (the body's natural defence against infection and illness)

• a carer for someone who falls into these groups

If you are still unsure of whether you are in an at risk group do not hesitate to contact your GP.

You need the flu jab every year

Since the strains of flu present this winter are different to last year it will be essential to receive this winters inoculation regardless of whether you received it last year.

In order to prevent the shortages which occurred during the rush for flu vaccines last winter 2010 it is also advisable to arrange a vaccination with your local surgery early this autumn from October 1st onwards.

Prevention

Practicing good hygiene is the single most effective way to stop the spread of diseases like flu. You can protect yourself and your family by ensuring everyone washes their hands regularly with soap and water and cleaning surfaces regularly

You can prevent a virus spreading to others by:

• always carrying tissues
• using tissues to cover your mouth and nose when you cough and sneeze
• binning the tissues as soon as possible
• washing your hands regularly

CATCH IT. BIN IT. KILL IT. is a simple way to remember this