flu lifestyle tips for patients

Overview

The flu (influenza) is a common viral infection that affects your nose, throat, and lungs. It is not the same as a cold, and it can make you feel very unwell for a week or more.

Yes. Flu is very common and usually causes seasonal outbreaks, typically in autumn and winter.

Anyone can get the flu, but young children, older adults, pregnant women, and people with long-term health conditions like asthma or diabetes are more likely to become seriously ill.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Fever or feeling feverish
• Cough, usually dry
• Sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Muscle and body aches
• Headache
• Feeling very tired
• Chills and sweats

Symptoms in children

• Fever and chills
• Cough and sore throat
• Irritability or fussiness
• Poor appetite and low energy
• Sometimes vomiting or diarrhoea

Symptoms in older adults

• Fever (though it may be lower than in younger people)
• Confusion or unusual drowsiness
• Dizziness or weakness
• Worsening of existing health conditions, like heart or lung disease
• Less typical chest symptoms or mild cough

Causes

Main causes

• Infection with the influenza virus, usually type A or type B
• The virus enters your body through the nose, mouth, or eyes, often when someone with flu coughs or sneezes near you
• Touching surfaces with the virus on them and then touching your face can also spread it

Risk factors

• Being younger than 5 or older than 65
• Being pregnant or up to two weeks after giving birth
• Having a long-term condition such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, or a weakened immune system
• Living in a care home or a crowded household
• Working in healthcare or caring for someone with flu

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• You have any of the emergency symptoms listed above
• You are in a high-risk group and you develop flu symptoms
• Your symptoms get better and then suddenly get worse
• You cannot keep any fluids down for more than 24 hours

Book a routine appointment if:

• You are normally healthy but your symptoms last longer than 10 days
• You have a cough that produces thick, green, or bloody mucus
• You want to ask about a flu vaccine or antiviral treatment

Diagnosis

Your healthcare provider will usually diagnose the flu based on your symptoms and a physical exam. They may also order a quick swab test to confirm the virus.

Tests that may be done

• Nasal or throat swab to test for influenza virus
• Rapid influenza diagnostic test (results in about 15 minutes)
• PCR test (more accurate, but results take longer)

What to expect at your appointment

The doctor will ask about your symptoms, when they started, and your medical history. They may check your temperature, listen to your chest, and look at your throat. The swab test is quick and slightly uncomfortable but not painful.

Treatment

Flu treatment focuses on easing symptoms and helping your body fight the infection. Most people do not need specific medical treatment and recover at home.

Self-care at home

• Rest at home and avoid going to work or school until your fever is gone and you feel better
• Drink plenty of fluids like water, warm tea, or broth to stay hydrated
• Use a cool-mist humidifier or take a warm bath to ease congestion
• Gargle with warm salt water for a sore throat
• Use tissues for coughs and sneezes and throw them away immediately
• Ask your pharmacist about products that can help with fever or pain, and follow the instructions exactly

Medical treatments

For people who are at higher risk of complications, a doctor may prescribe an antiviral medicine. These work best when started within 48 hours of symptoms beginning. Antibiotics are not effective for the flu unless a bacterial infection develops.

Living with this condition

Give yourself time to rest. Stay in bed or on the sofa, keep warm, and take breaks whenever you need to. Use separate towels and wash your hands often to avoid spreading the virus to others. It is normal to feel tired for a week or two even after your main symptoms go away.

Lifestyle tips

• Keep yourself warm and cosy – avoid going outside until you feel ready
• Drink fluids regularly, even if you are not thirsty
• Open a window for fresh air when you are out of bed
• Use light gentle stretching if you feel restless, but avoid exercise until fully recovered
• Keep a distance from other people to avoid passing on the infection

Diet and exercise

Eat light, easy-to-digest foods if you have an appetite, like soups, toast, or bananas. Drink water, warm lemon, or herbal teas. Rest is more important than exercise while you are unwell. Once your fever has gone and you feel stronger, you can start with short walks and gradually build up your normal activity.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Being ill can feel lonely and frustrating. It is normal to feel low or bored. Keep in touch with friends and family by phone or video call, and remind yourself that the tiredness will pass as you recover.

Prevention

Yes. The flu can be prevented or made milder with a yearly vaccine, along with good hand hygiene and avoiding close contact with sick people.

Vaccines

A flu vaccine is recommended every year for everyone aged 6 months and older. It is especially important for people at higher risk and those who live with or care for them.

Complications

If left untreated

• Pneumonia (an infection in the lungs)
• Bronchitis (inflammation of the airway tubes)
• Sinusitis or ear infections
• Worsening of long-term conditions like asthma, diabetes, or heart failure

Long-term outlook

The outlook for most people with flu is very good. With rest, fluids, and time, you should feel gradually better within one to two weeks. Even if it takes a bit longer, your body is working hard to recover, and most people return to their normal health without lasting problems.

Find support

International organisations

• World Health Organization (WHO) ↗

Local organisations

• NHS – UK National Health Service ↗ · United Kingdom

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