The influenza, or ‘flu, virus can cause infections all year round, but in the UK, it is most common in the winter. There are many strains, some of which are worse than others, such as swine ‘flu (H1N1 strain) which tends to have a more rapid onset, high fevers and stomach upset and has caused fatalities, often in previously fit adults. ‘Flu affects 10% of the population each year, but rises to 25-30% during a ‘flu epidemic. In contrast, adults have approximately 2 to 3 colds per year and children 5 to 6.
Do I Have ‘Flu, a Cold or COVID-19?
This is not easy to work out as they all cause an upper respiratory tract infection with cough, sore throat, a runny nose, fevers, and feeling ill. ‘Flu and COVID tend to cause a more severe illness than a cold, but all three types of infection can be mild enough to be barely noticed.
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‘Flu Features |
Cold Features |
COVID-19 Symptoms |
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Fever Symptoms can appear suddenly Feeling ill and exhausted, sometimes muscle pain and headache Can cause complications, including pneumonia Sometimes fatal. Lasts for one week, then you get better. |
Symptoms may appear more gradually. Affects only nose, throat, sinuses and upper chest. Still able to function. Recover fully in a week. |
Fever. New continuous cough. Loss of smell or taste. Feeling ill and exhausted, sometimes muscle pain and headache Can cause complications, including pneumonia NB: If you have any of the above symptoms, remember to take a test: https://www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test |
Vaccination Against the ‘Flu
Anyone can get the ‘flu and, the more a person is in close contact with people who have the virus, the more likely they are to get it. Certain at risk groups are advised to have a ‘flu vaccination. They include:
- Everyone over the age of 65.
- People of any age with lung diseases, heart disease, kidney disease, liver disease, diabetes or lowered immunity.
- Anyone living in a residential or nursing home.
- Carers of those at risk.
- Children aged 2 to 18.
The UK is fortunate to have a safe and effective vaccination against the ‘flu, which is provided free of charge by the NHS. ‘Flu vaccination is advised annually as the type of ‘flu virus causing infections changes every year. Despite popular belief, the ‘flu vaccination can not give you ‘flu. It’s true that some people experience symptoms of a heavy cold at the same time or just after they’ve had the ‘flu jab – this is simply a coincidence and the symptoms are caused by one of the many common cold viruses in the autumn and winter. It is still possible to suffer heavy colds after a vaccination, as the ‘flu jab only protects people from the ‘flu virus, not other viruses.
The ‘flu vaccination is available from October each year. Anyone who thinks they need it should talk to their doctor or nurse.
Special Considerations for Winter 2022-2023
The lockdowns due to the COVID pandemic had the positive effect of suppressing spread of the ‘flu virus, and there have been relatively few ‘flu infections the past two winters 2020-21 and 2021-22. However, this means the population is less immune and, combined with the absence of social distancing measures, indicates that a large ‘flu outbreak is likely in the winter of 2022-2023. This is what happened in Australia, who have their ‘flu season over our summer. A big ‘flu outbreak will add to the pressure the NHS is under, especially if there is another peak of COVID-19 infections. ‘Flu vaccination will help ease this by preventing people ending up in hospital due to ‘flu infection.
This winter COVID and ‘flu vaccinations are being offered at the same time for those eligible for both vaccines.
How to Treat the ‘Flu
Antibiotics are of no use in treating ‘flu. Anti-viral medication is available from the GP for at risk groups, but it needs to be taken early on in the disease to stop the virus multiplying and may only reduce the symptoms rather than treating the infection.
The best ways to treat the symptoms of ‘flu are:
- Get plenty of rest. The body uses a lot of energy fighting infections, so resting for the first couple of days gets it off to a good start.
- Keep warm.
- Make sure you drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration, and try hot water with lemon, ginger and honey to relieve symptoms such as sore throat.
- Take paracetamol or anti-inflammatory medicines such as ibuprofen to lower a high temperature and relieve aches.
Always contact your doctor if you’re not getting better after a few days, if you’re unduly short of breath or if you’re coughing up blood or large amounts of yellow or green phlegm.
How to Keep Healthy and Avoid Getting the ‘Flu
Keep your immune system strong by eating a healthy diet.- Take regular exercise.
- Get enough rest and relaxation.
- Do not smoke.
- Take regular vitamins and bump up your vitamin C.
- Wash your hands often and keep a bottle of antibacterial hand cleanser around.
- Avoid people who are coughing and sneezing, especially if they’re not covering their mouth and nose.
- Use and bin your tissues.