How we can all avoid being floored by flu

Here it comes again... the colder weather of autumn and winter, and with it an increased risk of getting flu. But after years of research can it now be prevented? Dr Juliet Mcgrattan, who spent 16 years as a GP around Lancaster, gives the lowdown on flu in 2018. Symptoms usually come on quickly. “It might start with a sore throat and cough,” says Dr Mcgrattan.

“You’re more likely to have a high temperature and could experience vomiting and diarrhoea.

“You’ll have lots of aching and sweating, and generally you won’t be able to live normally. You wouldn’t be able to go to work or school, and you’d pretty much be confined to bed.

“It can last a week, but you should start to feel better after three days.” “The flu is a very clever virus and constantly changes,” says Dr Mcgrattan. “We never know exactly what type we are going to get each year. It’s why the vaccine changes and we have to have it done annually.”

Dr Mcgrattan, 46, says that the World Health Organisation looks at the pattern of the virus to predict which strain will affect us the most.

“For example, they’ll look at what flu has hit countries in the southern hemisphere, as obviously their winter is before ours. Because of this, they can predict what kind of vaccination we will need here in the northern hemisphere.”

And while it’s no guarantee, it definitely aids in providing the best prevention possible.

She adds: “Last year we were hit particularly badly by the flu here. This year there are three different types of vaccine for different age groups to try to protect as many people as possible”. While the vaccination is available to anyone, there are groups of people who are offered it free of charge.

“In an ideal world, it would be available free to us all. But we have to look at the benefit against cost,” says Dr Mcgrattan. “While the flu isn’t pleasant, most of us will get over it within a week.” Children who were aged two and three on August 31 this year will get the nasal spray flu vaccine, along with children in reception class to year five.

“The numbers receiving the vaccine free are increasing thanks to pilot schemes,” says Dr Mcgrattan. “Children under five are particularly vulnerable and are more likely to be admitted to hospital. But also the shot is offered free to pregnant women, anyone aged over 65, people with low immunity and long-term health conditions such as diabetes, asthma and heart problems.

“Check with your GP practice if you are unsure whether you qualify.

“People who get a carer’s allowance because they are responsible for another person’s care can also get it.”

Also remember that anyone can have the vaccination if they pay for it. “The most important thing we can do is rest. Don’t go to work. Although if you have the flu, it’s unlikely you’ll be able to do that anyway,” says Dr Mcgrattan.

“Keep your fluids up, particularly if you have a fever. We lose fluids through breathing and sweating.

“Dehydration makes everything feel worse. If you don’t have much of an appetite, have soups and smoothies.

“Sleep when you can. And take paracetamol and ibuprofen. But be careful to read labels on flu remedies, as many contain paracetamol too, so it’s vital not to take too much.

“If you don’t improve after a week, visit your GP. And, of course, if at any point you feel you need to, speak to your doctor – or your pharmacist. They are very good sources of information.” “No, is the short answer,” says Dr Mcgrattan. “The flu injection isn’t a live vaccine and the nasal spray vaccine is a live but weakened virus that doesn’t cause flu. But the body may experience a few symptoms such as headache, runny nose or tiredness.

“The vaccine is given from October onwards, as it takes a couple of weeks to start working. My advice would be if you can, get the vaccine – and hopefully we can all be flu-free this winter”

This year there are three types of vaccine for different age groups to try to protect as many people as possible