| FLU UPDATE |
What is flu?
Flu is not a simple cold. It can make you feel very ill for several days, with a high temperature, aching limbs and weak muscles. You may also develop a dry cough, sore throat and a runny nose.
Can a flu vaccine help protect me?
Yes. Vaccination can prevent you from catching flu, even if you come into contact with it. You cannot catch flu from the vaccine. Every year the flu viruses change, so it is very important for people at risk to get a vaccine each year.
Who should be given a flu vaccine?
Since the consequences of flu can be quite severe, the Department of Health strongly recommends that people in the following risk groups should be givenm flu vaccine each year:
* chronic lung disease (including asthma)
* chronic heart disease
* chronic renal disease
* diabetes
* weak immune system
* people aged 75 years and over
* people in residential care
When is the best time to have a flu vaccine?
You are most likely to catch flu in the winter, so book your flu vaccination from October onwards to be protected before the flu vaccine each year.
What should I do now?
Simply ask your doctor or practice nurse about flu protection today.
Note: Information below is taken from the leaflet entitled:
'Colds and Flu'.
You can pick up copies at the surgery.
Is it a cold or flu?
Thinking that you have flu when you have a cold is a common mistake. 6 out of 7 people with symptoms have a cold not flu.
THERE ARE EASY AND EFFECTIVE WAYS TO TREAT YOUR COLDS AND FLU SYMPTOMS AT HOME AND WITH MEDICINE FROM YOUR PHARMACY
How to treat your cold and flu symptoms
* Drink plenty of fluids Hot drinks can have a soothing effect. If you don't feel like eating, try soup instead.
* Alternate paracetomol and easpirin every 3 hours, this will ease your throat and muscle aches. Always take the suggtested dosage for all medication.
* Don't do strenuous exercise.
* To avoid spreading viruses, cover your mouth wwhen you cough and sneeze.
* Wash your hands regularly.
* Keep your bedroom well ventilated.
* If you do have flu, take it easy. Ensure that you rest and if necessary, take time off work or school for a full recovery.
* Ask your pharmasist for advice on what over-the-counter medication would best treat your symptoms.
NOTE: Always ask the advice of your pharmasist before giving children oner-the-counter medication. Children under 12 years old should not be given aspirin.
How to treat sore throats and coughs
* Adults can gargle with soluble aspirin.
* Suck throat lozenges.
* Ask your pharmasist for advice on what over-the-counter medication would best treat your symptoms.
If you are taking other medicines always check with your pharmasist. Many cold and flu products already contain paracetamol. Products are labelled to say they contain paracetamol. Check te packet before you buy.
You should contact your GP if your are experiencing severe or prolonged symptoms, shortness of breath or are coughing up blood or large amounts of yellow or green phlegm.
Antibiotics
Some people expect their GP to give them antibiotics to treat their colds and flu stmptoms. COlds and flu are viral ilnesses. Antibiotics do not work on viral illnesses.
Protection against flu
The most effective way of minimising the effects of flu is to treat your symptoms with over-the-counter medicine and for those at risk to be immunised. There is already an extensive programme of immunisation covering those people most at risk: the elderly, people with a chronic illness such as heart, kidney or lung disease, those with reduced immunity (i.e. HIV or undergoing chemotherapy) and those living in nursing, residential or long-stay homes.