How to protect yourself from the dreaded flu misery – and what to do if the bug strikles
BY CLARE BERRETT HERE it comes again... the colder weather and with it, an increased risk of getting flu. So can it be prevented? Dr Juliet McGrattan, who spent 16 years as a GP, gives the lowdown on flu. “There are many illnesses that give flu-type symptoms,” said Dr McGrattan, who is an author and women’s health expert. “But we are talking about seasonal flu, the influenza virus.”
She says the virus is most prevalent between December and March, but can strike from as early as October.
“It is a virus, so there are no antibiotics that can be used to treat it,” added Dr McGrattan.
“It’s caught the same way as a cold, through droplets that come from sneezing or coughing.
“But they are very different. With a cold, you might be sneezing, coughing and have a headache, but you can generally carry on with day-to-day life. With the flu, you feel really ill.” Symptoms usually come on quickly. “It might start with a sore throat and cough,” said 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. 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,” said Dr McGrattan. “We never know EXPERT Dr McGrattan exactly what type we are going to get each year. It’s why the vaccine changes and we have to have it done annually.”
She says the World Health Organisation look at the pattern of the virus to predict which strain will affect us most.
Dr McGrattan added: “This year, there are three different types of vaccine for different age groups.”
The flu is a virus so there are no antibiotics that can be used to treat it. The most important thing to do is rest
While the vaccination is available to anyone, there are groups of people who are offered it free.
Children aged two to five can get the nasal spray flu vaccine at their GP surgery and it will be offered to all kids at primary school.
Dr McGrattan said: “Children under five are particularly vulnerable and are more likely to be admitted to hospital.
“The shot is offered free to pregnant women, anyone aged over 65 and people with low immunity and long-term health conditions such as diabetes, asthma and heart problems.
“People who get a carer’s allowance because they are responsible for another person’s care can also get it.” WHAT ELSE CAN I DO TO STOP GETTING THE FLU? “Sadly, we really have to rely on other people. The droplets that come from sneezing and coughing carry the virus. We can also catch it by touching surfaces, so opening doors, for example,” said Dr McGrattan.
“Hand washing is crucial. As adults, we should wash our hands and make sure we throw any dirty tissues away.
“Generally looking after ourselves by eating healthily and getting plenty of exercise and sleep can help to boost our immune system and make illness less likely.” “The most important thing we can do is rest. Don’t go to work”, said Dr McGrattan. “Keep your fluids up, particularly if you have a fever. If you don’t have much of an appetite, have soups and smoothies. “Sleep when you can. Take paracetamol and ibuprofen but read labels on flu remedies, as many contain paracetamol, so it’s vital not to take too much. “If you don’t improve after a week, visit your GP.” “No, is the short answer,” said Dr McGrattan. “But the body may experience a few symptoms such as headache, runny nose or tiredness.
“The vaccine is given from October onwards. My advice would be that if you can, get the vaccine.”