Flu

Seasonal flu is a highly infectious illness caused by a flu virus. The virus infects your lungs and upper airways, causing a sudden high temperature and general aches and pains. It is vital you don't underestimate the effects of this virus as it is not the same as getting a cold and it can seriously affect your health.

Anyone can get flu, but some groups are more vulnerable than others. It is strongly recommend that pregnant women, and people who are in at risk groups, including children, contact their GP or practice nurse now, to ensure they are given their seasonal flu vaccination.

In addition, you can protect yourself by practising good hand hygiene with the ‘catch it, bin it, kill it’ technique. This means carrying tissues, covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue, disposing of the tissue after one use, and cleaning hands as soon as possible with soap and water.

For a guide to flu symptoms and how to look after yourself, visit the NHS Choices website.

For advice on whether you should see your GP or look after yourself at home, use the NHS Direct symptom checker. However, if your enquiry is for a child under the age of 5, call your GP or NHS Direct on 0845 4647.

• Seasonal flu vaccination: who should have it and why
• Seasonal flu – information for patients, carers and their families