Seasonal Flu
Influenza occurs most often in winter and usually peaks between December and March in the northern hemisphere.
Use the links below to see answers to common questions about seasonal flu.
- What is seasonal flu?
- What are the symptoms?
- How is it spread?
- What does the government do to protect people?
- How can I protect myself and other people?
- Useful resources
- Related links
What is seasonal flu?
Influenza or ‘flu’ is an infectious illness caused by the influenza virus. It affects the upper air passages (known as the upper respiratory tract). Ordinary flu is described as ‘seasonal’ because it is more common in the winter.
What are the symptoms?
Flu symptoms usually include:
- Headache
- Fever
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Aching muscles and joints
- Sneezing
- Running or blocked nose
- Tiredness
How is it spread?
The virus passes from person-to-person by:
- Breathing in air containing the virus produced when an infected person talks, coughs or sneezes.
- Hand/face contact after touching a person or surface contaminated with the virus.
What does the government do to protect people?
Certain groups can get flu vaccinations from the NHS. Anyone over 65 can be vaccinated and people with the following conditions:
- A chronic heart or chest complaint including asthma
- Chronic kidney disease
- Diabetes
- Lowered immunity due to disease or treatment such as steroid medication or cancer treatment
A previous flu infection or vaccination will not necessarily provide protection against further infections because the virus is continually changing genetically and different subtypes circulate each winter.
How can I protect myself and other people?
Maintaining good hygiene will provide some protection:
- Wash hands regularly.
- Clean hard services frequently.
- Cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing.
- Use tissues and dispose of dirty tissues quickly.
- Avoid nonessential travel and large crowds whenever possible.
If you do catch flu, the following measures are for your own health and to avoid spreading the illness to others:
- Stay at home and rest.
- Take medicines such as aspirin, ibuprofen or paracetamol to relieve the symptoms (following the instructions with the medicines) Children under-16 must not be given aspirin or readymade flu remedies containing aspirin.
- Drink plenty of fluids.
Useful resources
- Download Government’s flu jab leaflet.
- Download ‘A self treatment guide for colds and flu’.
- Pick up the leaflet ‘Pandemic Flu’ from your doctor’s surgery or clinic.
- Call NHS Direct on 0845 4647 (calls charged at local rates).