If you experience a sudden fever, cough or shortness of breath or have a headache, sore throat, tiredness, aching muscles, chills, sneezing, runny nose or loss of appetite you may have flu.
For most people this is a mild illness and you should start to feel better after a few days without needing to go to your GP, walk-in centre/polyclinic or A&E.
Help yourself and others by not spreading the virus.
The best thing you can do is stay at home, rest, drink plenty of fluids and take over-the-counter flu remedies to help relieve the symptoms.
If you have not had your seasonal flu vaccine and are pregnant, very young, over 65, or have a long-term condition such as asthma or diabetes, then please contact your GP practice.
If you feel very unwell check your symptoms online at www.nhs.uk
Still concerned? If you have taken these steps and are still concerned call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47 or your GP for more advice.
Please do not go to A&E unless you or the person you are caring for are seriously ill.
Remember
The most effective way to stop or slow the spread of diseases like flu is to prevent the spread of germs:
- Use a tissue when coughing or sneezing and then dispose of it in a bin
- Ensure you wash your hands regularly with soap or water (or hygenic hand gel)
- Clean hard surfaces (e.g. door handles) frequently using an anti-bacterial cleaning product
For more information on flu, read the Influenza Factsheet from the Health Protection Agency below, or visit their website at: www.hpa.org.uk
