What is flu?
Seasonal influenza, known as the ‘flu’, is an infectious illness which spreads easily between people when they cough or sneeze.
Flu symptoms often come on very quickly and can include:
- Sudden onset of fever
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Body aches
- Fatigue
Flu can also cause sore throats, headaches, nausea, a lack of appetite, and in some instances diarrhoea.
There are around a billion cases of seasonal influenza annually, including 3–5 million cases of severe illness.
-World Health Organisation
Flu can make you really unwell. For some people, the illness can increase their risk of having more serious flu complications, such as pneumonia. This includes pregnant women, adults over 65 years, young children, and those with chronic health conditions like asthma, heart and lung disease, and diabetes.
Five important things to know about flu
Dr Ravi Lukha, Medical Director, Bupa UK Insurance, shares five important things to know about flu:
1. It's not 'just a bad cold'
While flu and the common cold may seem similar, they are caused by different viruses. Because the two illnesses have similar symptoms, it can be hard to tell the difference between them when looking only at symptoms. Flu symptoms are generally more severe or intense, often begin more abruptly and last longer, and can lead to serious health problems for some.
Sometimes, a test might be needed to know if you have the flu (particularly if your symptoms are severe, or if you have symptoms and are at higher risk of health complications from flu). In these instances, there are specific tests that can tell if someone has the flu virus, and sometimes specific treatments can be given for it.
2. You can spread the illness before your symptoms begin
While people with flu are most contagious during the first three days of their illness, according to the US Center for Disease Control and Prevention influenza viruses can be found in most people from one day before symptoms develop, meaning it is possible to infect someone before you know that you’re unwell.
Some people have mild or no symptoms when they have flu, but even then they can infect others.
3. It can be a serious illness
The flu can be a serious illness and for some could be life threatening. If you are at higher risk of complications or serious illness, particularly if you have a chronic health condition, it’s important to have a flu vaccination to help protect you against such serious illnesses or complications.
According to the US Center for Disease Control and Prevention, during recent flu seasons 9 out of 10 people hospitalised with flu had at least one underlying health condition.
4. Flu viruses change each year
There are different types of flu, known as ‘strains’. Each year, global experts review the latest research available, and the seasonal flu vaccine is updated to protect us against the influenza strains that will be most common during the upcoming flu season.
5. The flu vaccine does not cause the flu
Flu vaccines do not cause the flu virus. Vaccines are made from an inactivated virus that can't transmit infection. If you fall ill soon after receiving the flu vaccine, it is likely that you were already unwell before you had the vaccine.
Preventive steps to reduce your risk of catching flu
There are a number of steps you can take to reduce your risk of catching flu, including washing your hands frequently with soap and warm water, avoiding close contact with those who are sick, covering your nose and mouth if you need to cough, and cleaning surfaces to prevent the spread of germs.
However, the best way to reduce your risk and to protect those around you is to get a flu vaccination every year.
What is the flu vaccine?
When you have the flu vaccine, your immune system makes antibodies which can attack the flu virus.
If you're then exposed to the flu virus after having the flu vaccine, your immune system recognises the flu virus and produces antibodies to fight it.
Importantly, after you’ve had the flu vaccine, it can take up two weeks for your body to build up the antibodies needed to protect you. This means it’s important to plan your vaccine ahead of flu season.
While most people can have the flu vaccine, if you’ve had a serious allergic reaction previously, you shouldn’t have the vaccination. If you have an egg allergy, or suffer with a weakened immune system, there are different types of flu vaccines available, so speak to your doctor for advice.
Why is a flu vaccination important?
Having a flu vaccination is important as it can reduce your risk of catching flu, and can lessen your symptoms if you do still catch flu. It can also help to protect those around you who are more vulnerable to serious illness.
Having the vaccine is a proactive step in protecting both yourself and your loved ones during flu season.
If you have private medical insurance, it’s worthwhile checking your health insurance plan which may include seasonal flu vaccinations.
Time of year to get vaccinated
Flu is prevalent around the globe, all year round. Flu seasons can occur at different times in different parts of the world, which means it’s important to know when to book in your flu vaccine.
Northern Hemisphere |
Southern Hemisphere |
|---|---|
|
Flu season: Typically October to May (although this usually peaks between December and February). Best time of year to get vaccinated: September to December |
Flu season: Typically April to September (but sometimes continuing into October or November). Best time of year to get vaccinated: March to May |
While we’ve suggested the best time to get your vaccination, you can be vaccinated at any time during flu season. It is important to gain the protection of the vaccine, particularly if you’re at risk, even outside those dates. Remember, it takes up to two weeks for the vaccine to become effective, so getting it as early as possible is beneficial. |
|
Recovering from flu
If you do fall ill with flu, there are some things you can do to aid your recovery:
- Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration
- Prioritise rest as this gives your body a chance to fight the infection.
- Some over-the-counter pharmacy medicines may help to relieve symptoms, such as paracetamol for aches or pains, and to help to reduce a fever.
You should start to feel better in a few days, but it may take a week or longer to feel yourself again.
If you continue to feel unwell or your symptoms get worse, it’s important to speak to your doctor. In some cases, you may need a specific treatment for flu or to prevent catching it after exposure in some at-risk groups mentioned above.
