Flu and other respiratory illnesses are currently circulating and are likely to continue to increase in coming weeks

High numbers of scarlet fever, which is caused by group A streptococcus, also continue to be reported.

With this in mind the Public Health Agency (PHA) is offering some simple advice to us get through winter and reminding everyone that hand hygiene and self-care are essential when preventing and managing winter illnesses.

The PHA is urging all people eligible for the free flu and Covid-19 vaccines, who have not yet been vaccinated, to get it now and is particularly calling on the parents of pre-school and school-aged children to get them vaccinated against flu.

Evidence shows that the flu vaccine for children can provide direct protection to them and will also reduce the amount of flu circulating, thus providing indirect protection for older people and individuals with underlying health conditions.

Dr Joanne McClean, Director of Public Health at the PHA, said: “Group A streptococcus usually results in a relatively mild illness. Rarely, when the bacteria get into blood it can cause a more serious illness referred to as invasive Group A streptococcal infection. Having a viral infection such as flu at the same time as Group A streptococcal infection increases the risk of developing the more serious invasive disease. The flu vaccine reduces the risk of having flu and group A Strep infections at the same time. The PHA strongly recommends children who are eligible get the flu vaccine – it’s the best way to protect them from serious illness. The flu vaccine for children has an excellent safety record, this includes the nasal spray given to school-aged children and pre-schoolers, which has been given to millions of children in the UK and worldwide.

“Following some simple steps can help protect children, minimise the spread of illness in education and childcare settings and protect wider communities. If your child is unwell and has a fever, they should stay home from school or nursery until they feel better and the fever has resolved.

“Good hand and respiratory hygiene is also key, so practice regular handwashing with soap and warm water. Catching coughs and sneezes in tissues then binning them is another simple way to help stop illness from spreading and make sure to wash your hands afterwards.

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“Adults with symptoms of a respiratory infection and a high temperature or who do not feel well enough to go to work or carry out your normal activities should stay at home and avoid contact with other people and should not visit others in health and social care settings. Resting, drinking plenty of fluids and taking paracetamol or ibuprofen will ease your symptoms and help you recover. If you are concerned about your symptoms or they are getting worse contact your GP. In an emergency dial 999.”

Remember that flu and Covid-19 vaccinations are still available for all eligible groups and are the best protection against the viruses.

For most, flu is a mild illness that can be treated at home with rest, drinking plenty of fluids and taking medicine, such as paracetamol, as directed to control the symptoms.

Flu
Flu is an illness caused by the influenza virus. It occurs every year, usually in winter. It is important that you protect yourself and others from flu by helping to prevent the spread of the virus and getting the flu vaccine if you are eligible.

About flu
You can catch flu – short for influenza – all year round. It's especially common in winter, which is why it's also known as ‘seasonal flu’. It usually peaks between December and March.

It's not the same as the common cold. Flu is caused by a different group of viruses. The symptoms tend to be more severe and last longer.

Symptoms of flu
The symptoms of flu include:

fever (typically 38–40°C) - this tends to be more severe in children
fatigue/unusual tiredness
headache
runny nose
sore throat
shortness of breath or a cough
loss of appetite
aching muscles
vomiting or diarrhoea
sensitivity to light
insomnia
dry, unproductive cough
Flu symptoms usually peak after two or three days and you should begin to feel much better within five to eight days. However, older people or those with certain medical conditions may develop complications that can lead to serious illness and can be life-threatening.

That is why it is important to get the seasonal flu vaccine if it is offered to you.

Telling the difference between cold and flu
Cold and flu symptoms are similar but flu tends to be more severe.

Cold symptoms:

appear gradually
affects mainly your nose and throat
makes you feel unwell, but your OK to carry on as normal (for example, go to work)
Flu symptoms:

appear quickly within a few hours
affect more than just your nose and throat
makes you feel exhausted and too unwell to carry on as normal
What to do if you have flu
It is important to remember that for most people, flu is a mild illness that can be treated at home with rest, drinking plenty of fluids and taking medicine, such as paracetamol(external link opens in a new window / tab), as directed to control the symptoms.

If you have a high temperature and difficulty breathing, if your symptoms are getting worse over time or you haven't improved after a week, you should contact your GP or the GP out of hours service.

You should not go to an emergency department unless it is urgent and essential.

When to see your GP
Consider visiting your GP if:

you're 65 years of age or over
you're pregnant
you have a long-term medical condition – such as diabetes, lung disease, kidney disease or a neurological disease
you have a weakened immune system – for example, because you're having chemotherapy or have HIV
you develop chest pain, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, or start coughing up blood
your symptoms are getting worse over time or haven't improved after a week
In these situations, you may need medication to treat or prevent complications of flu. Your doctor may recommend taking antiviral medicine to reduce your symptoms and help you recover more quickly.

How flu is spread
The flu virus is spread in the small droplets of saliva coughed or sneezed into the air by an infected person. If you inhale these droplets, you may become infected.

Flu can also spread if someone infected with the virus touches:

common surfaces such as door handles with unwashed hands
the hand of someone else without washing their hands first
Preventing the spread of the flu virus
You can take simple steps to help stop the spread of the flu virus. Remember, you should always:

carry tissues
use tissues to cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze
dispose of the dirty tissues quickly
wash your hands regularly

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