Flu is an infection caused by a virus. It is more common in the winter months. The flu virus mainly affects the nose, throat, sinuses and lungs.
A flu vaccine is offered to people with a higher risk of serious infection. It's important to get the flu vaccine if you're advised to.
Talk to your GP or pharmacist about getting the annual flu vaccine. You may be eligible for a free vaccine.
Check if you have flu
Flu symptoms come on very quickly and can include:
- a sudden high temperature of 38 degrees or above
- aches and pains
- feeling tired or exhausted
- a dry cough
- a sore throat
- a headache
- difficulty sleeping
- loss of appetite
- diarrhoea or tummy pain
- feeling sick (nausea)
- getting sick (vomiting)
The symptoms of flu are similar for children. But a child may also get a pain in their ear and seem to be less active.
How long flu symptoms last
Flu often gets better on its own in 3 to 7 days. Someone with a weak immune system can be sick for longer.
Some symptoms do not get better right away. For example, tiredness can last for up to 2 weeks. A cough can last up to 3 weeks or more, particularly in children, older adults and people with chronic lung disease.
Flu can make some people seriously ill.
Differences between cold and flu
Cold and flu symptoms are similar, but flu tends to be more severe.
| Cold | Flu |
|---|---|
| Cold Appears gradually | Flu Appears quickly within a few hours |
| Cold Mainly affects your nose and throat | Flu Affects more than just your nose and throat |
| Cold Makes you feel unwell, but you can carry on as normal (for example, go to work) | Flu Makes you feel exhausted and too unwell to carry on as normal |
It could be COVID-19
Flu and COVID-19 can be difficult to tell apart. Children, older adults and people with underlying health issues can become very unwell from both flu and COVID-19.
If symptoms do not settle, talk to your GP or pharmacist.
Read about symptoms of COVID-19 and what to do.
How to look after yourself and your family
Get plenty of rest to help you get better. Drink enough fluids to avoid feeling thirsty.
Talk to a pharmacist. They may be able to recommend medicines that can help you feel better.
A high temperature is a sign the body is fighting the infection and usually gets better by itself. You can use paracetamol to help ease symptoms.
Cover your coughs and sneezes. Use a tissue and place it immediately in the bin. Cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve, not into your hands.
Antibiotics
Antibiotics do not work for viral infections such as flu. They will not relieve your symptoms or speed up your recovery.
Antivirals
You may be prescribed an antiviral if you are at higher risk of severe disease from flu.
When to get medical advice
Urgent advice: Contact your GP urgently if
you or someone in your household is:
- at a higher risk of serious infection
- not improving as expected, or their symptoms do not improve after 7 days
- worried that something is "not quite right"
- worried about your baby's or child's symptoms
Emergency action required: Call 112 or 999 or go to your GP, out-of-hours GP or emergency department (ED) if
you or your child are:
- getting worse
- sicker than you would expect to be
Complications from flu
For some people flu can lead to more serious illness. Some complications can be life-threatening.
You may need antiviral medicines. These work best if you start taking them within 48 hours of flu symptoms starting.
You may be at risk of complications if you:
- are age 65 or over
- are pregnant
- have a long-term medical condition
- are age 2 to 17
There are other at-risk groups.
The most common complication is pneumonia. Other complications include bronchitis and ear infections.
Flu can also cause some existing conditions to get worse, such as:
- asthma
- chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- heart failure
How to prevent flu infection
Get the flu vaccine if you are eligible.
Cover your coughs and sneezes. Use a tissue and place it immediately in the bin. Cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve, not into your hands.
Wash your hands with soap and water, or use alcohol based hand rub or sanitiser.
You do not need to wear a mask. But some people wish to use them in busy indoor spaces, such as:
- on public transport
- in busy public spaces - for example, shops, churches and places of worship, especially if they are poorly ventilated
How to wash your hands correctly
How to avoid spreading flu
Stay at home if you are unwell.
Avoid contact with other people until 48 hours after your symptoms improve.
You do not need to remain at home if your symptoms have improved, other than cough or tiredness.
If you have symptoms, do not visit:
- vulnerable relatives or friends
- nursing homes
- hospitals
If you are unwell and need medicine, try to send someone else to collect your medicines from the pharmacy.
Wear a mask if you need to visit a hospital or healthcare facility when unwell. When using a mask use it properly and dispose of in a waste bin.
Who should get the free flu vaccine
The flu vaccine is safe and effective and helps protect you from the flu.
