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What is the Flu?

The flu (or influenza to give it it's correct name), is a illness which is caused by a virus affecting the upper airways of the body and the lungs.

The virus spreads itself by spreading throughout the airways and the lungs and presents with several symptoms.

There are 3 known flu viruses which are known by the initials A,B and C.

The flu (which should never be misdiagnosed as a common cold), can affect a person very quickly, often within a matter of hours. General symptoms include a high temperature and generalised aches and pains which can range in effect from moderate to severe,

Other symptoms may include nausea, loss of appetite, dry cough and general lethargy and tiredness. These symptoms usually peak after about 2-4 days, and after this time suffers should start to feel much better. After 7-10 days they should be back to a relative normality though the cough and lethargy can last for several weeks.

How is the flu spread?

The flu is spread by droplet, this means it is spread in the saliva. This occurs when someone coughs or sneezes directly into the atmosphere when other people are present.

Other means of spread include direct contact via contaminated hands which are infected with the virus.

It can take anything up to 2-3 days from being infected to developing the full blown symptoms of the flu. People are infectious approximately a day before they present with symptoms and up to approximately 5 days after the start of their symptoms.

Children, older people and those people with a lowered immune system may remain infectious for a longer period of time

The flu is at its worst during the winter months though it can develop at any time of the year. Those with compromised immune systems can also develop complications from the flu such as a chest infection, pneumonia etc. These complications can be potentially life threatening.

If you are usually quite healthy it's not considered a good idea to consult your GP if you suffer from the flu, mainly because it can be treated with OTC (Over the counter) products. Doctors surgeries get inundated over the winter months with people requesting medication for flu symptoms when it is usually much cheaper to buy them from your local pharmacy.

If your health isn't good normally, then it may be a good idea to speak to your GP for advice if you develop the flu.