Flu (Influenza): Symptoms, Self-Care and When to Get Help

Influenza, or flu, is a viral infection that spreads easily from person to person. For many people it is a miserable week in bed, but for others it can become serious. This article explains the symptoms, simple self-care, who is at higher risk, and when to get help, based on NHS and CDC guidance.

What are the symptoms of flu?

The NHS says flu symptoms come on very quickly and can include:

• A sudden high temperature
• An aching body
• Tiredness or exhaustion
• A dry cough, sore throat or headache
• Difficulty sleeping or loss of appetite

The CDC adds that chills are common, that not everyone with flu has a fever, and that vomiting and diarrhoea happen more often in children than in adults. The NHS says children may also have ear pain, sore eyes, swollen glands and be less active than usual.

Looking after yourself at home

Flu often improves without specific treatment. The NHS suggests:

• Resting and sleeping
• Drinking plenty of water. Your urine should be light yellow or clear.
• Asking a pharmacist or doctor which common over-the-counter pain and fever reliever is suitable for you or your child
• Not giving aspirin to children under 16
• Checking labels carefully, because some flu remedies already contain a pain reliever and it is easy to take too much by combining products

The NHS says antibiotics do not work on viral infections such as flu and doctors do not recommend them for it. Whether any other medicine is suitable is a decision for your doctor or pharmacist.

Avoiding spreading flu

The NHS says flu is highly contagious and you are most likely to pass it on in the first 5 days after infection. To protect others:

• Wash your hands often with soap and warm water
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, or use the bend of your elbow, and bin tissues quickly
• Stay at home and avoid other people if you have a high temperature, feel hot, cold or shivery, or cannot manage your normal activities

Who is at higher risk of serious illness?

The NHS lists these groups:

• Adults aged 65 or over
• Pregnant people and those who have recently given birth
• People with long-term conditions, such as diabetes, or conditions affecting the heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, brain or nerves
• People with a weakened immune system, for example from chemotherapy or HIV

The CDC also names young children, especially under 2, and people with asthma, and stresses that healthy people can become seriously ill too.

When to see a doctor

The NHS advises asking for an urgent appointment, or contacting a health helpline, if you have flu symptoms and:

• You are worried about a baby's or child's symptoms
• You feel very unwell or short of breath
• Your symptoms have not improved after 7 days
• You are in a higher-risk group

The CDC lists these emergency warning signs in adults:

• Trouble breathing or shortness of breath
• Chest or stomach pain or pressure that does not go away
• Ongoing dizziness, confusion or inability to stay awake
• Seizures or not passing urine
• Severe muscle pain or severe weakness
• A fever or cough that gets better and then returns or worsens

In children, the CDC lists fast or difficult breathing, bluish lips or face, ribs pulling in with each breath, signs of dehydration such as little or no urine for 8 hours or no tears, not being alert, seizures, and any fever in an infant under 12 weeks. The NHS says to seek emergency help for sudden chest pain, severe breathing difficulty or coughing up blood, and not to drive yourself.

In an emergency, call your local emergency number (112 in India, 911 in the United States).

This article is for general education and does not replace advice from a doctor who can examine you.