Many people – myself included until recently – think that flu is similar to having a bad cold. However, this is not the case. Flu is caused by a different sort of virus to the common cold and it is more serious because, if complications occur, it can lead to bronchitis, pneumonia, or even death.

Seasonal flu usually begins in the autumn months of September to November, with most cases occurring between December and March. Flu can affect anyone, including people in good health, and 15-20% of UK population are affected each year. People most at risk include pregnant women, people over 65, and people with diabetes or major illnesses affecting vital organs (e.g. kidney disease).

Flu is contagious and is spread through coughing and sneezing, and touching infected surfaces such as door handles and taps. Use disposable tissues and wipe surfaces with disinfectant to reduce the risk of other people catching the virus.

The effects may last for a couple of weeks
As well as cold-like symptoms, including headache, sore throat, high temperature and a cough, with flu you may also have a fever but feel shivery, and feel achy and too weak to move much. The infection lasts about 7 days, but the effects may continue for another couple of weeks afterwards.

Types of flu change over time so it is best to get protected – even if you have been previously. One basic thing you can do is wash your hands frequently, especially after touching your nose or mouth. Doctors urge people to have the flu jab, which protects people from being infected with the virus, and you can have this at your GP’s or local pharmacy.

It’s better late than never to get vaccinated
The flu vaccination doesn’t work straight away, as it takes your body 1-2 weeks to recognise the virus and make cells (antibodies) that will be able to destroy it if it does invade the body. Having the flu jab does not give you flu – it stimulates the body’s natural resistance to the virus. There are possible side effects such as tiredness, muscle pain, or tenderness at the site of injection, but these are minor and temporary, so it’s better late than never to get vaccinated.

Get plenty of rest and keep hydrated
If you do contract flu, make sure you get plenty of rest – take a few days off work and try to stay away from other people so that they don’t get ill as well. Also drink plenty of fluids to keep hydrated and to help flush out toxins. Paracetamol can help ease headaches or muscle aches, but note that antibiotics and anti-viral medicines do not help to cure flu.