Flu or influenza, is a viral infection that attacks the respiratory system i.e. the nose, throat and lungs.

Flu is highly infectious which means it can spread from one person to another. It usually starts with a cough or sneeze and the tiny droplets can be breathed in by other people or picked up by touching surfaces where the droplets have landed.

In most cases, flu can be treated without seeing a GP and symptoms usually disappear within a week. For some people however, they may develop complications such as pneumonia as a result of the flu which can be life threatening and may result in death.

So what are the symptoms?

• Sudden fever – temperature of 38°C or above
• Aching muscles
• Feeling tired or exhausted
• Dry or chesty cough
• Sore throat
• Headache
• Difficulty sleeping
• Loss of appetite, nausea or feeling sick
• Children can also get pain in their ears and will appear less active