Flu advice from health chiefs

NHS Lanarkshire is advising people how to prevent flu and treat symptoms.

Dr David Cromie, consultant in public health medicine, said: “Flu can make people feel incredibly unwell. With symptoms including fever, aches and pains, and feeling so exhausted you can’t get out of bed, many people think they need medical attention. However, most people can treat flu at home without seeing a GP or attending A&E.”

Some people are more vulnerable to flu due to other conditions, and in certain cases it is recommended they consider visiting their GP if flu symptoms arise. NHS Lanarkshire recommends residents speak to their GPS if: they are aged 65 or over; they are pregnant; they have a long-term medical condition – such as diabetes, heart disease, lung disease, kidney disease or a neurological disease; they have a weakened immune system; they develop chest pain, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing or start coughing up blood; their symptoms are getting worse over time or haven’t improved after a week

Dr Cromie added:“if you are otherwise fit and healthy, the best remedy for flu is bed rest. Keep warm, drink plenty of water and take paracetamol or ibuprofen, as directed, to lower a high temperature and relieve aches. Symptoms usually go away gradually within about a week, although people might continue to feel tired for longer. If there are no other symptoms this is no cause for concern.”

Go to www.nhsinform.scot for more details about the flu.