Winter flu

Good hygiene really helps prevent the spread of germs. Alway encourage your family to:

• cough and sneeze into a tissue and then to dispose of it as soon as possible
• wash their hands with soap and water regularly
• use an antibacterial hand gel or wipes like Cuticura when travelling or when it's not possible to wash your hands.

Flu jab

It is recommended that you have a flu jab if you:

• are 65 years old or over 
• are pregnant
  
• have a serious medical condition
  
• are living in a long-stay residential care home or other long-stay care facility
  
• are the main carer for an elderly or disabled person whose welfare may be at risk if you fall ill 
• are a frontline health or social care worker 

Flu or a cold?
Flu symptoms come on quickly  (colds are more gradual) and include fever and aching muscles plus a variety of other symptoms like:

• dry chesty cough
• headache
• tiredness
• chills
• limb or joint pain
• diarrhoea or upset stomach
• sore throat
• runny or blocked nose
• sneezing
• loss of appetite
• difficulty sleeping

With flu you usually feel too unwell to work or go to school and although you'll probably feel better within five to eight days you may still feel tired for two to three weeks more.