It is possible to get vaccinated against influenza, which is especially advisable for the elderly and people with heart and lung diseases. In the UK vaccination is offered to:

• everyone over 65 years old

• anyone with conditions such as asthma, heart or kidney disease

• anyone who may otherwise be at increased risk

What are the symptoms?

• Headache

• Fever (38^o to 40^oC)

• Aching muscles and joints

• Chest pains

• Lack of appetite

• Fatigue and weakness

• A runny nose and sore throat

• Dry cough

• Restless sleep

• Chills and shivering

• Indigestion

• Vomiting or diarrhoea

What can I do?

• Drink plenty of fluids - you lose a lot of liquids during a fever

• Rest, preferably by staying in bed

• Try to get plenty of sleep

If you have a cough, an over-the-counter cough remedy may ease your symptoms. The pharmacist is the best person to advise on this.

Despite the bewildering number of over-the-counter remedies for 'flu', all are symptom relievers only, and the number of active ingredients is quite small. People taking other medicines should check with the pharmacist before taking a flu remedy in case of interaction between medicines.

Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol.

Paracetamol or aspirin will reduce fever and muscle aches. (Note that aspirin should not be given to children under 16 years of age, unless on the advice of a doctor). Ibuprofen is also suitable.

Consult a doctor if the symptoms do not disappear after a week, or sooner if you feel worse.

How long will the influenza last?

Usually, influenza lasts three to five days. If it goes on for more than a week or if the symptoms are very severe, you are advised to consult your doctor.

A bad case of influenza has the potential to develop into a more serious condition like pneumonia or sinus trouble and in rare cases it can be life-threatening.

Who is at risk?

Influenza can be dangerous to the elderly, especially those who live in residential homes where there is more risk of contracting the virus through contact with others.

People with lung and heart diseases are also more likely to develop complications due to an attack of flu. Those at risk are advised to get a yearly vaccination. Consult your doctor if you have any problems or questions.

Other important facts

• Both colds and flu are caused by a virus but the symptoms of influenza are usually more severe

• Antibiotics have no effect against influenza

• Damp or cold cannot cause influenza. However, sudden changes in temperature may cause the symptoms to appear more quickly

• People are seldom infected by the same type of influenza twice because resistance develops within two or four weeks. However, the influenza virus constantly mutates into slightly different versions of itself, which is one reason why vaccination is sometimes ineffective. The vaccination also needs to be done yearly to keep up the person's level of immunity. The type of vaccination given each year changes slightly, as this is the ‘best guess’ vaccination to cover the likely type of influenza virus that will be most common that year.

It is possible to pass on the infection the day before you develop the symptoms yourself. You can also pass on the infection until the day after your fever has disappeared.