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Influenza Outbreak - Winter 2011

Information for Students

What to do if you have flu like symptoms

People suffering from seasonal flu symptoms are encouraged not to attend A&E departments unless absolutely necessary as this risks spreading the infection to others.

Flu symptoms usually develop within two to three days. The most common symptoms are:  

  • sudden fever,
  • shivering,
  • headache,
  • muscle aches,
  • dry cough.

The flu virus is highly contagious and is easily passed from person-to-person when an infected person coughs or sneezes. To prevent further spread of your illness minimise contact with others and don’t attend social events until you
are completely recovered.

Management of flu symptoms at home.

There are simple steps that can be taken at home to help you recover:  

  • You should rest, drink plenty of fluids and take paracetamol to manage your fever.  Adults can also take aspirin.
  • To reduce spread of the flu virus, it is vital that you cover your nose and mouth when you cough and sneeze, preferably with a tissue, and wash your hands afterwards.
  • If you do seek advice from your GP, you should ring in the first instance and not attend the surgery in person.

If you are managing your flu symptoms at home, make sure you keep in regular contact with friends/housemates/family. Ask them to check on you regularly. If one of your housemates/friends is unwell, please do the same for them.

Look out for each other.

People who are at risk

Most individuals recover from flu with no problems. However, severe illness may occasionally occur especially in some vulnerable groups. These groups include pregnant women and people with some chronic diseases such as:

  • Chronic Respiratory disease
  • Chronic Heart disease
  • Chronic Liver disease
  • Chronic Kidney disease
  • Diabetes
  • Immunosuppression

If you are pregnant or have any of the above conditions and have not yet been vaccinated against flu, please contact your GP to arrange this as soon as possible. If you are in any of these ‘at risk’ groups and you develop flu like symptoms, please contact your GP as you may benefit from antiviral treatment.

If you have any questions about managing your flu you can get advice from

NHS Direct Wales:  0845 46 47
www.nhsdirect.wales.nhs.uk