Brits have been given an “urgent” health warning to book a GP appointment if their flu symptoms don’t clear up after seven days, amid what the NHS is calling potentially the “worst” flu season on record. Amidst a surge in cases of influenza and other winter viruses in the country, the health service has issued guidance for those in need of assistance.
Flu is a highly contagious viral infection impacting the respiratory system, leading to symptoms like a high fever, persistent cough, and a painful throat.
Typically, it resolves without treatment but can deteriorate into a severe illness for some, recently evident from rising hospital admissions that are straining the NHS.
The NHS’s national medical director, Professor Sir Stephen Powis, explained: “The winter flu season has not only hit the NHS early this year, but it is potentially on track to be one of the worst we have ever seen, as the ‘quademic’ continues to increase pressure across services.”
As reported by The Mirror, he noted that with surging pressures on frontline NHS staff and recent festive gatherings, the peak of these seasonal illnesses may still lie ahead.
The “quademic” noted by Prof Powis refers to high cases of flu, Covid, norovirus, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) all at once. Speaking on New Year’s Eve, he added: “Firstly, I’d like to thank NHS staff – despite huge demand, they continue to work tirelessly to keep patients safe and provide them with the best possible care.
“And secondly I would like to remind the public that community services like GPs and pharmacies are open as usual for help and advice today and on Thursday and Friday. Anyone who needs medical support should continue to use services as normal – 999 and A&E only in an emergency, and for other urgent health needs, use NHS 111 or 111 online.”
Flu symptoms can include a sudden high temperature, body aches, extreme tiredness, dry cough, sore throat, headache, sleep difficulties, loss of appetite, diarrhoea or stomach pain, nausea and vomiting. If you suspect you have the flu, you can alleviate symptoms at home by getting plenty of rest, keeping warm, and staying well-hydrated.
Additionally, the NHS advises taking paracetamol or ibuprofen to reduce fever and relieve pain, ensuring that any medication given to children is appropriate by checking packaging or consulting a pharmacist or GP if uncertain.
However, the NHS urges that if your symptoms don’t improve after seven days, you should book an “urgent” GP appointment or call 111. This is particularly important if you or your child have flu symptoms and:
- You’re concerned about your baby’s or child’s symptoms
- You’re aged 65 or over
- You’re pregnant
- You suffer from a long-term medical condition – such as diabetes or a heart, lung, kidney, brain or nerve condition
- You have a weakened immune system – for instance, due to chemotherapy or HIV.
Flu is described by the NHS as “very infectious” and most likely to be passed on to others in the first five days. It’s spread through germs from coughs and sneezes, which can survive on hands and surfaces for up to 24 hours.
To help prevent the spread of flu, the NHS recommends:
- Regularly washing your hands with warm water and soap
- Using a tissue to cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze, disposing of it quickly
- If no tissue is available, cough or sneeze into the crook of your elbow, not your hand.
The health service also advises staying at home and avoiding contact with others if you have a high temperature or feel too unwell to carry out your usual activities.
