martes, 4 de enero de 2011

Q&A: What to know about flu - BBC News

What you should know about the risks and how to protect yourself against seasonal flu.

Can I avoid catching flu?

Short of isolating yourself from all people it is difficult to avoid encountering flu viruses. They are extremely common and are spread readily by coughs and sneezes.

To protect yourself and others this winter follow the Catch it, Bin it, Kill it advice - Always carry tissues with you and use them to catch your cough or sneeze.

Bin the tissue, and to kill the germs, wash your hands with soap and water, or use a sanitiser gel.

This is the best way to help slow the spread of flu.

Keeping your immune system strong by eating a healthy diet, taking regular exercise, getting enough rest and relaxation and not smoking will also help you avoid illness.

How can I protect myself?

Every year scientists make a vaccine that will offer protection against the most commonly circulating types of flu.

This year's vaccine also protects against the H1N1 swine flu virus and is available free on the NHS to anyone in high-risk groups, such as people over 65 and those with chronic health conditions like diabetes.

Some private clinics and High Street pharmacies also offer the vaccine for a fee of around £7 to £12. However, most limit this service to people over the age of 16 or 18.

Who is eligible for the free NHS vaccine?

People in high-risk groups include:

  • Over 65s
  • Pregnant women
  • People of any age with long-standing health conditions including a serious heart or chest complaint or a previous stroke, serious kidney disease, asthma, diabetes
  • People with lowered immunity due to disease or treatment such as steroid medication or cancer therapy

Your GP may advise you to have a flu jab if you have serious liver disease, multiple sclerosis or some other diseases of the nervous system.

If you think you may need a flu vaccination, check with your GP, practice nurse or your local pharmacist. If a nurse visits you regularly, ask about getting your flu vaccination.

What should I do if I think I have caught flu?

Most people will get better after a few days of rest and will not need to see their doctor.

The general advice is to keep warm, drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration and take paracetamol or anti-inflammatory medicines such as ibuprofen to lower a high temperature and relieve aches.

Staying at home will also help avoid spreading the infection to others.

People in high-risk groups or anyone who is concerned or very ill with the flu should consult their GP. Always contact your doctor if you're not getting better after a few days, if you're unduly short of breath or if you're coughing up blood or large amounts of yellow or green phlegm.

Anti-viral medication is available for some people who develop some types of flu but it needs to be taken early on in the disease to stop the virus multiplying, and may only reduce the symptoms rather than treating the infection.

In some severe cases hospital treatment may be necessary.

Do you have any questions about flu? You can send us your comments using the form below.

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