What is the flu?
Flu (also know as Influenza) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by flu. It is a very common infectious viral illness that can be spread through coughs and sneezes, it can be a fairly unpleasant illness, however, most people feel better within 1-2 weeks.You can catch the illness all year round, however, it is most common in winter this is why it is known as the seasonal flu. It is not the same as a common cold.
Avoiding the flu
Flu Vaccine
The annual flu vaccine can help reduce your risk of getting the flu each year, although it's not 100% effective because it doesn't work against every possible type of flu virus. A flu vaccine is available from the NHS for free for;
• Anyone aged 65 and over
• Pregnant women
• Children and adults with an underlying health condition
• Children and adults with weakened immune systems
Children aged 1 - 4 years old are given an annual nasal spray as they are too young for an annual injection. The best time for anyone to get a vaccine is in the autumn time between, September and early November. When you feel like you need this injection contact your local GP or local pharmacy. Viruses change every year so it is crucial that you get the injection annually if you wanted to be protected for the following winter.
Good Hygiene
Another way to reduce your risk of getting the flu or spreading it to other people, you should always keep a good hygiene. You should always;
• Make sure you wash your hands regularly with soap and warm water
• Clean surfaces such as your keyboard, telephone and door handles regularly to get rid of germs
• Use tissues to cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze
• Put used tissues in a bin as soon as possible
