INFLUENZA

What is it?

Influenza or flu as it is more commonly known is an illness caused by one particular group of viruses. It is not the same as the common cold although colds are caused by viruses too.

What causes it?

We are surrounded by all sorts of bacteria and viruses - or bugs - in the air all the time. We catch flu by breathing in the flu virus which is spread through the air in tiny droplets when we sneeze. At certain times of year the flu virus becomes much more common. The more people who catch it, the more people there are passing it on by sneezing, which is why epidemics happen.

Who gets it?

Anyone can catch flu. You are more likely to get it if you work in close contact with a lot of people. You may be more prone to getting flu or one of the complications it causes if you are run down, elderly, or suffer from another condition such as asthma, diabetes, or emphysema.

What are the symptoms?

Influenza comes on suddenly one to two days after you have been in contact with someone who has it. You will feel feverish and achy all over, often with headache or pain in your back and muscles. You will be off your food and you may feel sick or vomit. Your fever may be very high but you may feel very hot one moment and very cold the next. If you have a cough it will be dry and harsh. There is no such thing as a 'touch of flu'. If you do not feel really unwell you probably have a cold or one of the many other viruses that cause similar but much milder symptoms.

When should I go to my Doctor?

Because influenza is a viral infection, your doctor cannot cure it. Antibiotics are marvellous at curing bacterial infections but they have absolutely no effect against any kind of virus. This means that unless you are at particular risk from complications of flu there is little point in seeing your GP at all.

The good news is that if you are otherwise healthy the chances are that flu will settle down by itself within a few days. You will need to take plenty of rest, regular painkillers such as paracetamol - which will help your temperature as well as your aches and pains - and lots of fluids. If you suffer from another condition such as diabetes or asthma, you may be more likely to get one of the complications of flu such as pneumonia. You should look out for pains in your chest or for fever or cough that gets worse instead of better with time. If you feel unable to get to the surgery it may be worth ringing your GP for advice before deciding whether you need to be seen.

What tests will my Doctor want to do?

Your GP will want to examine you to make sure that you do not have any other condition or complication. It is highly likely that he or she will be able to reassure you and send you home with advice about fluids, painkillers and rest.

How can I stop myself getting flu?

If you are in a high-risk group - if you have diabetes or kidney lung or heart disease or a disease of the immune system, and especially if you are elderly - you may want to consider getting a flu vaccination. This injection is given every year in early winter and considerably cuts down your risk of getting flu. But it does not stop you getting colds or other viruses. It is also important to prevent yourself from getting run down, especially in winter, since being run down can stop your body fighting off illness. This means getting a balanced diet, taking regular exercise and, of course, cutting out smoking.

Where can I get further information?

If you have any queries about influenza you can call the Cold and Flu Helpline - set up by the independent Consumer Health Information Centre - on 0845 606 1611.