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Flu

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Flu

Flu, or influenza, is a virus that many of us will have experienced at one time. It is extremely contagious and very common.

It is often confused with a cold, but flu symptoms are much worse. Flu leaves you feeling so poorly that you struggle to get out of bed.

Flu symptoms appear quickly and usually last around a week. You can catch the symptoms all year round and although it is more common in the winter months. It is spread by people coughing and sneezing.

What is the difference between a cold and the flu?

A cold and the flu are caused by different viruses but have similar symptoms so they can be hard to tell apart.

The flu usually has a faster onset than a cold. A cold can develop over a few days. Furthermore, the flu usually has more severe symptoms than a cold, as listed below. With a cold, you usually only have a runny or blocked nose, a sore throat, sneezing, headaches, and sometimes a cough,

The flu has more serious complications which can be very dangerous and may include:

Ear Infection

Sinusitis

Chest Infections

Pneumonia

Tonsilitis

Asthma

Seizures

Symptoms

Temp of 38ªF or higher

Sore throat

Aching muscles

Tiredness

Cough

Headache

No Appetite

Wheezing when you breath

The symptoms will usually clear up on their own and the symptoms may last a couple of days to a week. However, if you are pregnant or over the age of 65 years, and your symptoms do not improve after a week, you should seek medical advice and speak to an Ahmeys expert prescriber.

If you start coughing up blood, have chest pain or breathing difficulties go to A&E or call 999 urgently.

Causes

The flu is caused by a virus which is spread when someone coughs up or sneezes.

The germs can live on your hands and other surfaces for 24 hours, which is what makes it so contagious. You catch it from someone sneezing next to you on the bus, by kissing someone who has the virus, or by touching something someone else who has the virus has touched. It then enters the body through your mouth, nose, or eyes.
To help prevent the virus you should:

  • wash your hands regularly with soap and warm water, or use anti-bacterial hand gel.
  • stay away from anyone who has the virus whilst they are ill, particularly if they are coughing or sneezing
  • avoid touching your face as much as possible, as the germs get in through your mouth, nose and eyes
  • get a flu vaccination
  • keep healthy- eat a balanced diet and get plenty of exercise

How is the flu diagnosed?

For most people, the flu will not need a diagnosis or medical treatment, as it will clear up on its own within a week.

However, some people are at higher risk of complications from the flu and if this is the case you may need medical advice and treatment.

Here are some self-care measures you can try whilst your getting better:

  • stay at home and get plenty of rest and sleep
  • drink lots of fluid to prevent dehydration
  • keep yourself warm
  • treat your cough with over-the-counter medication if you wish

How is the flu treated?

Antibiotics will not work against the flu, as it is caused by a viral infection. If you fit and healthy then you will usually need just to rest at home until you recover. Speak to an Ahmeys prescriber if your symptoms do not go away after a week or you are at risk of complications due to the flu.

Faheem Ahmed

Have Questions?

Our clinicians would be more than happy to help.

Either give us a call on 01865 689 149 or book online.

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Book a Consultation

Providing NHS services

How to Find Us

Visit us at:
158 Oxford Road
Cowley, Oxford, OX4 2LA
Contact us at:
[email protected]
01865 689 149

Join over 1000's of patients who choose Ahmey's

Jackie Nakate
Jackie Nakate
2021-08-14
professional and lovely staff. The staff was super helpful and also called just to make sure I got my results without any mistakes.
Dimitris Kolokouris
Dimitris Kolokouris
2021-07-18
Went for a fit to fly PCR test. The staff were incredibly polite and helpful. They took special care to get my flight credentials correct and had my test result to me within less than a day. They guarantee to get your result the next day (even over weekends). Overall good service, I would recommend.
Margherita Davoli
Margherita Davoli
2021-06-22
I went today for a covid rapid- antigen test for travelling. Excellent service, they also gave me a pdf with the certificate for travelling, both paper and via email.
Elena Razzano
Elena Razzano
2021-05-27
I went to the clinic for a Covid Swab test: the nurse has been very professional and careful, the service has been perfect, fast and the certificate compliant for the fit to fly. I highly recommend this service and I will definitely use it again.
Aloise Fiala-Murphy
Aloise Fiala-Murphy
2021-05-25
Very good service, just did a PCR test for travelling. Helpful, on time and easy.
Susanne Mecklenburg
Susanne Mecklenburg
2021-05-24
Super service, competent, friendly, quick turn around of the results - really helpful. I can recommend it!
Michael Chipeta
Michael Chipeta
2021-02-04
Had Covid-19 fit to fly test. Results came promptly, in record time. Impressed with the service.
Shengpan Zhang
Shengpan Zhang
2021-01-24
Excellent service, very friendly and reliable
Kan Li
Kan Li
2021-01-19
Excellent people to work with! Great service, prompt communication, flexible schedule, and very reasonable price. 100/100 recommend for all kinds of fit-for-travel testing.