The influenza virus infects your nose, throat and lungs. The flu is normally worse than a cold and is more likely to occur in winter. Older people, young children, pregnant women, and people with certain medical conditions are at a higher risk of developing serious complications from influenza, such as pneumonia. If you’re at higher risk, it is important to see your doctor early, to find out if you need treatment. Flu is a highly infectious illness. A person carrying the virus can spread the illness by coughing or sneezing. A person can spread the virus from 1-2 days before they develop symptoms and for up to a week after symptoms develop. So what should you look out for? Signs and symptoms of influenza can include:

• fever (a temperature of 38°C or higher)
• cough
• sore throat
• runny or stuffy nose
• body aches
• headache
• chills
• stomach upset, vomiting or diarrhoea.

It may take up to 3 days to feel symptoms after you catch influenza. The worst symptoms usually last about 5 days, but coughing can last up to 2–3 weeks. It is also important to seek medical advice early if you are concerned, and especially if there are any danger signs, even if you have been seen before. People at higher risk of developing complications if they get influenza include:

• pregnant women and women who have just given birth
• people with an ongoing health condition (like asthma, diabetes, cancer, a heart or lung condition, and conditions that affect the nervous or immune systems)
• significantly overweight people
• people aged 65 years or over
• very young children, especially infants (under 1 year).

So how do you treat the flu? If you are unwell, stay at home and rest in a separate, well ventilated room away from other people.It is also important to drink small amounts of fluids often. Look out for signs of dehydration such as dizziness when standing, and not passing urine regularly and reduce temperatures with a damp cloth and washing arms and your body with a cool cloth. If symptoms persist, consult a doctor for treatment. You should seek urgent medical attention if:

• a high fever that doesn’t come down, especially if you are pregnant
• chills or severe shaking
• difficulty breathing or chest pain
• purple or bluish discolouration of your lips, skin, fingers or toes
• seizures or convulsions
• signs of other serious conditions, such as meningococcal disease (which may include severe headache, sleepiness, vomiting, stiff neck, dislike of bright lights, and sometimes a rash)

Immunisation: Each year the seasonal (annual) flu vaccine contains three common influenza virus strains. The flu virus changes each year this is why a new flu vaccine has to be given each year. According to the HSE, the flu vaccine is high recommended for: Vaccination is strongly recommended for:

• Persons aged 65 and over
• Those aged 6 months and older with a long-term health condition such as
  • Chronic heart disease
  • Chronic liver disease
  • Chronic renal failure
  • Chronic respiratory disease, including cystic fibrosis, moderate or severe asthma or bronchopulmonary dysplasia
  • Chronic neurological disease including multiple sclerosis, hereditary and degenerative disorders of the central nervous system
  • Diabetes mellitus
  • Down syndrome
  • Haemoglobinopathies
  • Morbid obesity i.e. body mass index over 40
  • Immunosuppression due to disease or treatment, including asplenia or splenic dysfunction
• Children aged 6 months and older
  • with any condition (e.g. cognitive dysfunction, spinal cord injury, seizure disorder, or other neuromuscular disorder) that can compromise respiratory function especially those attending special schools/day centres with moderate to severe neurodevelopmental disorders such as cerebral palsy and intellectual disability
  • on long-term aspirin therapy (because of the risk of Reyes syndrome)
• Pregnant women (vaccine can be given at any stage of pregnancy)
• Healthcare workers
• Residents of nursing homes and other long stay institutions
• Carers
• People with regular contact with pigs, poultry or water fowl.

For more information on the flu, or if you’re concerned by your symptoms, book an appointment with your doctor. For more information on the flu vaccine, consult your local pharmacy, or check out Immunisation.ie here.