Four seasonal sickies... and how to avoid them

With winter bugs on the horizon and the worrying comeback of Covid, Dr Andrew Whittamore of Asthma + Lung UK tells us what respiratory nasties to look out for and what to do if you fall ill

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FLU

Flu, or influenza, is a respiratory infection caused by a virus that affects the nose, throat and lungs.

It is contagious and spreads easily through droplets generated by coughing and sneezing.

A bout of flu feels worse than a common cold and, while most people usually recover in a week or two, it can lead to serious complications like bronchitis and pneumonia. It can also be dangerous for vulnerable groups such as young children, the elderly, or people with preexisting medical conditions such as asthma.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms often come on within a few hours, and include headaches, high fever, chills, a dry cough, muscle aches, sore throat, a runny or blocked nose and severe tiredness. Those affected are often too unwell to perform daily activities.

What can you do?

The best way to avoid getting the flu is to stay away from anyone who is ill, especially if you are in a vulnerable group. It's also a good idea to wash your hands regularly to prevent the spread of germs. The best way to safeguard yourself is to have your annual flu jab if you are eligible. You can aid your recovery by drinking plenty of water, staying warm, taking paracetamol or ibuprofen to lower your temperature and treat aches and pains.

If you have a lung condition, it's important to keep taking your usual medicines as prescribed and follow your action plan or self-management plan.

When to get help:

See your GP if symptoms persist for longer than two weeks, if they make you breathless, or if your respiratory condition is worse than normal. Call 999 if you get sudden chest pain or feel short of breath or if you find it hard to breathe or you cough up blood.

RSV

RSV stands for Respiratory Syncytial Virus and levels usually peak during the winter.