Flu Care

Flu can make you feel rough, but most people will get better without needing medical treatment. Symptoms usually start suddenly and can include a high temperature, aching muscles, extreme tiredness, a cough, sore throat and headache. Some people also have stomach symptoms such as nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea. Learn more about flu here: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/flu/

If you have flu and are generally well, the best treatment is self-care at home. Rest as much as you can, keep warm, and drink plenty of fluids. Paracetamol or ibuprofen can help reduce fever and ease aches and pains. A pharmacist can offer advice and suggest treatments to help manage symptoms. Be careful not to take more than one medicine that contains paracetamol at the same time.

Flu is caused by a virus, so antibiotics will not help and are not recommended.

Most people start to feel better within a week. If you are feeling unwell but not seriously ill, NHS 111 and your local pharmacy are the best first point of contact for advice.

Please only contact the surgery if symptoms are severe, getting worse, or not improving after around 7 days, or if you are worried about a child, an older adult, or someone with a long-term health condition or a weakened immune system.

To help reduce the spread of flu, stay at home if you have a high temperature or feel too unwell to carry on with normal activities. Wash your hands regularly, cover coughs and sneezes, and dispose of tissues promptly.

To help reduce the spread of infection, we ask that all adults and older children who have flu symptoms wear a face covering when attending the practice. This helps protect other patients and our team.