As flu season settles in for the winter members of the public are being urged to protect themselves from this serious virus.

Flu is a highly contagious infection that anyone can catch. It can be very serious for vulnerable people such as over 65s, pregnant women and those with diabetes, severe asthma and heart or chest problems.

NHS Norfolk and Waveney are urging everyone who falls into one of these ‘high-risk’ groups to get their free flu vaccination as soon as possible, or discuss their needs with a GP or pharmacist.

Dr Jenny Harries, Director of Public Health at NHS Norfolk and Waveney, said: “Flu can be very unpleasant for anyone who catches it and it is potentially quite worrying as it increases the risk of developing more serious illnesses like bronchitis and pneumonia.

“Preventing the spread of germs is the most effective way to protect yourself and your family from catching the virus.”

The flu virus can live on surfaces for around 24 hours so good advice for keeping safe during the wintry months is:

Wash your hands with soap and water thoroughly and regularly

Clean surfaces that are touched often such as computer keyboards, door handles or telephones

Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you sneeze or cough

Dispose of used tissues in a bin as soon as possible

Dr Harries added: “Flu is not like a simple cold – it can really knock you off your feet. Flu comes on very quickly, unlike a cold which builds up, and symptoms include aching muscles and a fever.

“Colds only affect the nose and throat whereas flu can give you a range of other symptoms such as loss of appetite, difficulty sleeping and cold chills.”

Most people who catch flu do not need to see a doctor and can recover at home by getting lots of rest, keeping warm, staying hydrated and taking painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen to lower high temperatures and relieve aches.

Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections and are therefore useless against flu itself which is caused by a virus.

For more information, speak to your GP, local pharmacist, or visit www.nhs.uk/flu.

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