Flu usually starts suddenly. Typical symptoms include:-

Flu is normally a self-limiting illness

The symptoms of Flu can last for up to a week before you begin to feel better. It is possible that you could feel weak and low in spirits for several weeks after the initial symptoms have settled.

Antibiotics are useless against the standard symptoms of Flu

What can you do to help yourself

• Stay at home
• Go to bed and rest
• Drink plenty of non-alcoholic drinks
• Keep warm
• Eat what you can
• Use pain killers as necessary, such as paracetamol, nurofen or solpadeine, these will help relieve the headache and the muscular aches and pains
• Paracetamol and nurofen for children are excellent at helping lower the temperature
  (BEWARE many cough and cold remedies may already have some paracetamol in them
  please read the label carefully).

When to seek medical advice

• If your condition deteriorates
• If you feel that you are seriously ill
• If you develop chest pains or shortness of breath.

If you are uncertain or worried about your symptoms we would be very happy to discuss them with you over the telephone. Usually around midday after the Doctor’s have finished morning surgery is a good time for a telephone consultation.

Antibiotics are not always necessary for all infections

See Also

• Influenza season approaches
• Vulnerable groups for Influenza Immunisation
• Flu immunisation appointment times
• Flu Facts
• DOH Factsheet
• You know you've got flu if...

Useful Websites

• Stalbridge Surgery has prepared a list of useful websites for patients
• Online Medical Dictionary compiled by The CancerWEB Project.

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