Flu or Influenza

[Worcester]

Influenza is also called the flu. It's an infection that causes fever, chills, cough, body aches, headaches, and sometimes earaches or sinus problems. The flu is caused by the influenza virus. A virus is a microorganism, which means it's so small that you can't see it without a strong microscope.

For most people, the flu is a drag, but it goes away in a week or two. But for some people, the flu can make them very sick. Those groups include:

babies and kids under age 5
people older than 65
adults and kids who have health problems, such as diabetes and asthma

Anyone who's at risk of getting really sick needs to get a flu shot, or vaccine. People such as doctors and nurses also need the shot because they take care of sick people.

How Does the Flu Spread?

This virus gets around in little drops that spray out of an infected person's mouth and nose when he or she sneezes, coughs, or even laughs. You can catch the flu from someone who it if you breathe in some of those tiny flu-infected drops. You can also catch the flu if those drops get on your hands and you touch your mouth or nose. No wonder people are always saying to cover your mouth when you sneeze!

What are the symptoms?

Headache.

Fever (38o to 40oC).

Aching muscles and joints.

Chest pains.

Lack of appetite.

Fatigue and weakness.

A runny nose and sore throat.

Dry cough.

Restless sleep.

Chills and shivering.

Indigestion.

Vomiting or diarrhoea.

What can I do?

Drink as much as possible - you lose a lot of liquids during a fever.

Rest, preferably by staying in bed.

Try to get plenty of sleep.

If you have a cough, an over-the-counter cough remedy may ease your symptoms. The pharmacist is the best person to advise on this.

Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol.

Paracetamol (eg Panadol, Calpol) or aspirin (eg Aspro clear) will reduce fever and muscle aches. (Note that aspirin should not be given to children under 16 years of age, unless on the advice of a doctor.) Ibuprofen (eg Nurofen) will also relieve these symptoms. These painkillers are also found combined with medicines such as nasal decongestants in various over-the-counter cold and flu remedies. Ask your pharmacist for advice about which are most suitable for relieving your symptoms.

Consult a doctor if the symptoms do not disappear after a week, or sooner if you feel worse.

[Starfire]

Yah, I had my flu shot today, and now I have the whole flu symptoms type thing. I had to have it due to severe asthma and being a carer to the elderly. I had the flu for 3 weeks a couple of years ago n couldn't move out of bed, it was so nasty