flu aftercare at home

Overview

The flu (influenza) is an infection of the nose, throat, and lungs caused by a virus. 'Aftercare at home' means the steps you can take to feel better and recover safely without needing hospital care.

Yes, flu is very common. It spreads easily from person to person, especially in autumn and winter.

Anyone can get flu. It is usually mild for healthy adults, but young children, older adults, pregnant women, and people with an ongoing health condition can become more seriously ill.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• fever or feeling feverish/chills
• dry cough
• sore throat
• runny or stuffy nose
• muscle or body aches
• headache
• feeling very tired or exhausted

Symptoms in children

• high temperature (fever)
• cough, runny nose, or earache
• being less active and more fussy than usual
• poor appetite or not drinking enough
• vomiting or diarrhea (more common in children than adults)

Symptoms in older adults

• fever may be low or absent
• confusion or dizziness that is new
• worsening of existing heart, lung, or other health conditions
• weakness that makes daily activities harder
• cough and breathlessness

Causes

Main causes

• Influenza viruses (type A and type B) are the cause. The virus spreads through tiny droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. You can also catch it by touching a surface with the virus and then touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.

Risk factors

• living in close contact with many people (such as in a care home or shared house)
• being under 5 or over 65
• being pregnant
• having a weakened immune system
• having a long-term condition such as asthma, diabetes, heart or lung disease

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• you are in a high-risk group (young child, older adult, pregnant, or living with a chronic illness) and you have flu symptoms
• your breathing becomes difficult or fast, or you have chest pain
• you become confused or very drowsy
• you urinate much less than normal or have dizziness when standing

Book a routine appointment if:

• your symptoms last longer than a week
• you have a cough that keeps getting worse after the flu is over
• you are not sure if you need treatment or have questions about your symptoms
• you have a fever for more than three days

Diagnosis

Doctors usually diagnose flu by asking about your symptoms and checking your body. In most cases, no tests are needed. During flu season, the symptoms are often enough to make the diagnosis.

Tests that may be done

• a swab from the nose or throat to test for the virus
• a blood test (rarely needed)

What to expect at your appointment

Your healthcare professional may ask how you feel, take your temperature, and listen to your chest. If you have flu, they will advise you about home care and, if needed, whether you should be seen again.

Treatment

There is no cure for flu. The goal is to ease your symptoms while your immune system fights the virus. Most people get better at home without needing hospital care.

Self-care at home

• Rest as much as you can. Your body is working hard to fight the infection.
• Drink plenty of fluids — water, warm herbal tea, or clear soup — so you stay hydrated.
• Take warm baths or use a cool-mist humidifier to ease aches and loosen a dry cough.
• Gargle with warm salty water for a sore throat.
• Use a simple pain and fever reliever — ask your pharmacist or doctor which is safe for you.
• Keep doors and windows open for fresh air, and keep warm if you feel cold.

Medical treatments

For people at high risk or with severe flu, a healthcare professional may prescribe an antiviral medicine that can shorten the illness if started very early. Antibiotics do not work because flu is caused by a virus, not bacteria. Always ask a healthcare professional before giving any medicine to a child.

Living with this condition

Stay home until at least 24 hours after your fever has gone without using a fever-reducing medicine. This helps you avoid passing the virus to other people. Keep warm, rest, and keep your room well ventilated but not cold.

Lifestyle tips

• Wash your hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand rub.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze and throw the tissue away.
• Clean surfaces such as doorknobs and taps regularly.
• Sleep on your side if you are coughing to help breathing.
• Avoid smoking and being around smoke, as this makes cough worse.

Diet and exercise

Eat small, light meals if you feel hungry — for example, soup, toast, or fruit. If you do not feel like eating, still keep drinking fluids as long as your urine is pale and clear. When you feel a little stronger, gentle movement like walking around the house or stretching can help, but do not push yourself. Let your body guide you.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Feeling low, anxious, or isolated while recovering is normal. The fever and fatigue can affect your mood. Try to stay connected by phone or video calls, and tell someone how you are feeling. If you feel very overwhelmed or depressed, talk to a healthcare professional or call a mental health helpline.

Prevention

You can lower your risk by getting the flu vaccine each year, washing your hands regularly, avoiding close contact with people who are sick, and covering your coughs and sneezes.

Vaccines

The flu vaccine is given every autumn. It is recommended for young children, older adults, pregnant women, and people with certain long-term conditions, as well as healthcare workers. Ask your local health service if you are eligible.

Screening programmes

There is no routine screening for flu in the general population. The most important step is vaccination before flu season.

Complications

If left untreated

• pneumonia (a lung infection)
• bronchitis (inflammation of the airways)
• ear infections in children
• flaring up of asthma or other chronic conditions
• in rare cases, worsening of heart or lung problems

Long-term outlook

The outlook is very good. Most people start to feel better within three to five days, though a cough and tiredness can hang on for a couple of weeks. Even if you feel weak for a little while, continuing to rest and drink fluids will help you return to normal.

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