The UK is currently experiencing the first flu epidemic for 7 years and GP's and hospitals are overloaded with the additional workload. The influenza virus strain H3N2 seems to be particularly virulent. Most people do not need to see a doctor if they have influenza- rest, fluids and analgesics such as paracetamol should normally suffice
The UK is currently experiencing the first flu epidemic for 7 years and GP's and hospitals are overloaded with the additional workload. The influenza virus strain H3N2 seems to be particularly virulent. Most people do not need to see a doctor if they have influenza- rest, fluids and analgesics such as paracetamol should normally suffice.
People with the flu should avoid going to work as this will spread the infection. Some people are especially vulnerable -the elderly, young children, pregnant women and those will respiratory illnesses such as bronchitis and asthma.
We are seeing some patients in our private GP walk in clinics who have secondary infections such as bronchitis and pneumonia and some of these have been investigated with blood tests and chest x ray and treated with antibiotics, but in general terms antibiotics do not help in viral influenza. Antiviral medication such as oseltamivir may be helpful in the early stages of influenza infection. SameDayDoctor private doctor clinics are open up to 7 days per week and patients can walk in or call/email to book an appointment.
Ask your GP about having a flu vaccination if:
you're aged 65 or over
you're pregnant
you have a serious medical condition
you live in a residential or nursing home
you're the main carer for an elderly or disabled person whose welfare may be at risk if you fall ill
your child is in an at-risk group and is aged 6 months to 2 years
You should also have the flu vaccination if you are a healthcare or social care worker directly involved in patient care.
There are three different types of flu vaccine:
a live quadrivalent vaccine (which protects against 4 strains of flu), given as a nasal spray. This is for children and young people aged 2 to 17 years eligible for the flu vaccine
a quadrivalent injected vaccine. This is for adults aged 18 and over but below the age of 65 who are at increased risk from flu because of a long-term health condition and for children 6 months and above in an eligible group who cannot receive the live vaccine
an adjuvanted injected vaccine. This is for people aged 65 and over as it has been shown to be more effective in this age group
If your child is aged between 6 months and 2 years old and is in a high-risk group for flu, they will be offered an injected flu vaccine as the nasal spray is not licensed for children under 2.
Some pharmacies also offer free NHS flu vaccination to adults in the categories listed above. They do not offer this service for children.
