Flu
WHAT IS FLU?
Flu is a highly infectious disease which is passed on through coughing, sneezing or touching someone who is already carrying the virus. Having the flu is very different from having a cold and symptoms come on quicker and are much more severe. Symptoms include:
- High fever
- Shivery feeling
- Headache
- Aching body
- Extreme tiredness
A dry cough, sore throat and stuffy nose are also common with flu.
Most people recover from flu within a week or two but people with long-term medical conditions and older people could be ill for longer and develop serious conditions such as bronchitis and pneumonia.
Flu can strike at any time during winter. As the virus changes every year, a new vaccine is created each year which means that it is important to have the vaccine annually. The vaccine does not contain live viruses so cannot give you flu and side effects of the vaccine are rare.
Flu vaccine is available to those aged 65 and over and those in the “at risk” group.
'At risk'
Those who are 'at risk' are people of all ages with long-term illnesses, including:
- Serious breathing problems, e.g. severe asthma needing regular inhaled or oral steroids; chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
- Diabetes
- Serious heart conditions
- Severe kidney or liver disease
- Serious neurological conditions, e.g. stroke or multiple sclerosis
- Lowered immunity due to disease or treatment, e.g. chemotherapy or radiotherapy treatment for cancer or long-term steroid use
- Problems with the spleen, either because the spleen has been removed (asplenia) or doesn't work properly, e.g. sickle cell disease
- Any other serious medical condition (if anyone is unsure about their health or needs further advice, they should speak to their doctor, practice nurse or pharmacist)
Good hygiene also plays an important role in slowing the spread of flu. By following some basic hygiene tips you can help reduce the risk of catching or spreading flu:
- Germs spread easily - cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing using a tissue if possible.
- Germs can live on tissues for several hours so bag and bin dirty tissues promptly and carefully.
- Maintain good hygiene, for example washing your hands frequently with soap and water to reduce the spread of the virus from your hands to your eyes, mouth or nose or to other people.
- Hands can transfer germs to any surface you touch. Clean hard surfaces (e.g. kitchen worktops, door handles) frequently, using a normal cleaning product.
- If you have children make sure they follow this advice.
This year make sure that you protect yourself, as the flu is more serious than you think.
Further information
www.infoscotland.com/flu
NHS helpline: 0800 22 44 88
Comments
There are currently no comments for this article - why not add one using the form below