What is flu?

Flu or influenza is a virus that can cause a respiratory infection that is similar, but more severe, than a cold. Flu will often get better on its own, but it can make some people seriously ill. It is important to get the flu vaccine if you are advised to. Find out if you can get the flu jab for free on the NHS 

Flu symptoms come on very quickly and can include:

  • Sudden high temperature

  • Body aches

  • Feeling tired or exhausted

  • Dry cough

  • Sore throat

  • Headache

  • Difficulty sleeping

  • Loss of appetite

  • Diarrhoea or tummy pain

  • Feeling sick/Nausea or being sick/vomiting

If you have the flu, here are some things you can do to get better more quickly:

  • Rest and sleep

  • keep warm

  • Take paracetamol or ibuprofen to lower your temperature and treat aches and pains - check the packaging or leaflet to make sure the medicine is suitable for you or speak to a pharmacist if you are not sure

  • Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration (your pee should be light yellow or clear).

Who should get the flu vaccine?

  • Adults aged 65 years and over

  • Children aged 2 to 3 years, school-aged children (Reception to Year 11) and children with certain long-term health conditions

  • Children and adults in clinical risk groups

  • Pregnant women

  • Those in long-stay residential care homes

  • Carers and close contacts of those immunocompromised