Flu season is upon us but we asked an expert for tips on how to fight it

By Ali Horsfall
Flu season is upon us, and despite the flu – or influzena as it’s officially known - being a fairly common virus, it’s highly infectious and can be serious for some. Globally, the flu kills an average of 8,000 people a year, so it’s worth being able to spot the signs of this winter illness when it strikes.
Is it the flu or just a cold?
There’s no doubt that a cold can make you feel poorly but the flu virus is much more severe, and is likely to make you feel too unwell and exhausted to carry on with your daily routine. The flu can be recognised by some key symptoms that may develop quickly – here’s what to look out for.
• A sudden fever – a temperature of 38°C (100.4°F) or above
• Dry, chesty cough
• Headache
• Tiredness or exhaustion
• Chills
• Aching body
• Diarrhoea or tummy pain
• Nausea or being sick
• Sneezing
• Loss of appetite
• Difficulty sleeping
• Limb or joint paint
The flu can be fatal for anyone with an underlying (or long-term) health condition such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD); bronchitis; emphysema; diabetes; heart disease; kidney disease; liver disease or a chronic neurological disease like multiple sclerosis or cerebral palsy.
If you think you may have the flu, and have one of these medical conditions, make sure you see your GP, or contact NHS 111.
Flu prevention is key
So how do we get the flu? The virus affects the respiratory system and is spread by coughs and sneezes. Good hygiene can prevent you catching it from others or passing it on.
“To reduce your chances of getting the flu, it’s important to wash your hands regularly with hot water and soap or use a hand sanitiser when out and about, to prevent the spread of germs,” says Dr Daniel Fenton of London Doctors Clinic. Clean all surfaces, paying attention to items that get touched often such as phones and door handles.
“Adopt the ‘catch it, bin it, kill it’ approach: use tissues to trap germs when you cough or sneeze and throw the tissues as quickly as possible,” he advises.
Taking care of your health and wellbeing, will boost your immune system, leaving you less susceptible to illness advises Dr Riccardo Di Cuffa, GP at Your Doctor.
"Getting enough quality sleep and making sure your diet is packed with fruit and vegetables for a mineral, fibre and vitamin boost, will support good health. If you’re prone to infections or have a weakened immune system, try to avoid people who you know aren’t feeling well and consider taking vitamin C supplements to boost your immunity," he says.
Get vaccinated
The vaccine is the best way to avoid catching flu, and because the flu virus is always changing, it’s best to have the jab every year, say the NHS.
If you’re over 65, or have an underlying medical condition, you’re eligible for a free jab, otherwise it’s a pay-for treatment, usually no more than £20. You can get the flu vaccine at your GP surgery or from a pharmacy that’s offering the service. If you’re a health worker, you might be offered the jab by your employer.
"Having the flu jab does significantly lower the rate of sickness and death in older people when compared with no vaccination," says Dr Di Cuffa.
And if you’re worried that the flu jab, will ‘give you the flu’, experts confirm that this is a myth. You may have a slight temperature and notice that you ache a little, or have a slightly sore arm where you were injected, but serious side effects from the vaccine are uncommon.
What to do if you get the flu? Rest and recovery
If you are unlucky to be struck down with a bout of the flu, you can expect to feel better within a week or two.
Because flu is caused by viruses and not bacteria, antibiotics won’t treat it. Instead, hunkering down at home, resting and sleeping, is what the NHS recommends.
GPs will also advise taking paracetamol or ibuprofen to lower your temperature and treat aches and pains, keeping warm and drinking plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration.
-
-
The best skin care routine for rosacea: a go-to guide to care and products
We asked an expert for the best advice and skin care routine for rosacea, a common (yet serious) skin condition.
By Courtney Leiva •
-
Everything you need to know about dressing to flatter a rectangle body shape
Lucky you! A rectangle body shape is one of the easiest body types to dress, all thanks to your slender physique.
By Jess Beech •
-
Skechers’ new walking shoes are the perfect Mother's Day gift to give your mum the ultimate comfort
Skechers’ new Arch Fit walking shoes offer podiatrist-certified support to keep you stable and comfortable on long walks
By Aleesha Badkar •
-
Fitness for women – 5 ways to boost motivation and enjoy exercise
Our health guru, Annie Deadman, makes fitness for women achievable, fun and simple...
By Lucy Gornall •
-
An expert guide to cancerous moles and the skin cancer signs that should raise your suspicions
Itchy, raised or bleeding moles? Spotting the signs that could save your life…
By Faye M Smith •
-
Yoga for weight loss - why it works, when to practice and the three moves you need to know about
Want to stretch and slim? Then it's time to try yoga for weight loss...
By Rose Goodman •
-
How to be happy in nature – boost your mood instantly by going outside
Learning how to be happy is easier than you think. Try these simple tips to stay mentally strong
By Ali Horsfall •
-
Research reveals that 14.5% of women feel menopause is affecting their sex lives
New research has revealed that 14.5% of women feel that menopause is affecting their sex lives
By Aleesha Badkar •
-
Your most Googled sleep problems solved: from insomnia and night sweats to the best positions to stop pain
Sleep problems wreaking havoc with your wellbeing? We asked the experts the questions that are keeping you up at night...
By Rose Goodman •
-
The best sleep teas for relaxing at bedtime
Sleep teas can help relax your body and mind for a better night's rest
By Aleesha Badkar •