During the peak of flu season,

test how much you know about this common illness and how you can protect yourself.

Flu is caused by viruses, while antibiotics only work against bacteria. You may be prescribed antiviral medicines to treat your flu, and while these don’t actually cure the virus itself, they can make you less infectious to others around you and can reduce the amount of time you may be ill.

The injected flu vaccine given to adults contains inactivated flu viruses, so it can’t give you the flu. Your arm may feel a bit sore where you were injected, and some people get a slight temperature and aching muscles for a couple of days afterwards. Other reactions are very rare.

The viruses that cause flu can change every year, so you need a vaccination that matches the new viruses each year. The vaccine usually provides protection for the duration of that year’s flu season. It’s important to keep up to date with your vaccinations.

Everyone should be vaccinated against the flu. This is because the flu is a contagious disease that can lead to serious illness, including pneumonia, and even hospitalisation. Healthy people can also spread the virus to others who are particularly susceptible, including newborn babies and older people.