flu procedure preparation

Overview

Influenza, also called the flu, is a common viral infection that affects your nose, throat, and lungs. It can cause fever, body aches, tiredness, and a cough. If you have a medical procedure planned, it is important to know how the flu might affect that plan and what you can do to stay safe.

Yes, the flu is very common. It affects millions of people around the world every year, especially during the winter months.

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

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Fever or feeling feverish with chills
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Muscle or body aches
• Headache
• Feeling very tired

Symptoms in children

• All the common symptoms, but they may also have vomiting and diarrhea
• Being more irritable or less active than usual
• Breathing faster than normal without a clear reason

Symptoms in older adults

• Confusion or sudden changes in mental state
• Weakness or a general feeling of being unwell
• Sometimes there is no fever, so the flu is harder to spot

Causes

Main causes

• Influenza viruses (types A and B) that spread through droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks
• Touching your mouth, eyes, or nose after touching surfaces that have the virus on them

Risk factors

• Living in group settings like care homes or dormitories
• Weakened immune system from illness or medication
• Chronic health conditions such as diabetes, asthma, or heart disease
• Being very young or very old
• Being pregnant or having recently given birth
• Not getting the annual flu vaccine

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If you have a scheduled procedure and you develop any flu symptoms, call your care team right away — they may need to change the date.
• If you are at high risk for complications (older, pregnant, or have a chronic condition) and you think you have the flu.
• If you have severe symptoms that are not getting better after several days.

Book a routine appointment if:

• If you are generally healthy and are not having a procedure soon, you can usually wait and recover at home. But if you have questions, contact your doctor or a nurse line.
• If you want to reduce your risk, ask about the flu vaccine.

Diagnosis

A doctor or nurse will ask about your symptoms and may swab the inside of your nose or throat. This sample is tested for the influenza virus.

Tests that may be done

• Rapid influenza test — gives results in about 15 minutes, but is not always perfectly accurate
• Molecular test (such as PCR) — more accurate, takes up to a few hours or a day
• Sometimes no test is needed because your symptoms and history are enough to tell, especially during flu season

What to expect at your appointment

The test is quick and usually not painful, though it may cause a slight tickle or urge to sneeze. Results may take a few minutes to a day. If you have an upcoming procedure, your care team will explain how the results affect your plan.

Treatment

Most people get over the flu on their own with rest, fluids, and comfort measures. If you are at high risk or very unwell, a healthcare provider may recommend antiviral treatment. This is not the same as antibiotics and only works against viruses.

Self-care at home

• Rest as much as possible, and avoid work, school, or public activities until you feel better
• Drink plenty of water, clear soup, or warm fluids to stay hydrated
• Use a cool-mist humidifier or take a warm shower to help with congestion
• Gargle with salt water for a sore throat, or use lozenges (ask your pharmacist)
• Take paracetamol or ibuprofen for fever and aches, but always follow the instructions on the label and ask your pharmacist if you are unsure

Medical treatments

Antiviral medications can reduce the severity and length of the flu if they are started within a couple of days of symptoms. They are usually reserved for people who are very ill or at high risk of complications. Your doctor will decide if they are right for you. Never take antibiotics for the flu because they will not help.

When is surgery considered?

If you have a planned procedure or surgery, your healthcare team may decide to postpone it until you have fully recovered. This is because having the flu changes your breathing and immune system, which can make anaesthesia and healing riskier. Always tell your surgical team in advance.

Living with this condition

During the flu, stay home, rest, and avoid close contact with others. Use tissues and throw them away carefully. Wash your hands often with soap and water or use hand sanitiser.

Lifestyle tips

• Get enough sleep and take it easy for a few days after your fever goes away
• Keep drinking fluids even if you don't feel hungry
• Avoid smoking and second-hand smoke, which can make a cough worse

Diet and exercise

Eat light, easy-to-digest foods like soup, toast, or fruit. You do not need to force yourself to eat a lot. Skip exercise until you have no fever and your energy is back — pushing yourself too soon can make you feel worse.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Feeling unwell and being isolated can make you feel low or anxious. That is normal. Talk to family or friends by phone or video, and remind yourself that this will pass. If you feel overwhelmed, reach out to your healthcare provider for support.

Prevention

Yes, the flu can be prevented or made milder with a combination of vaccination and good hygiene habits, like frequent handwashing and covering coughs and sneezes.

Vaccines

The annual flu vaccine is recommended for everyone over six months old, especially people who are at higher risk or who have a procedure planned. It is given before the flu season and reduces your chance of getting sick or spreading the virus.

Screening programmes

There is no routine screening for the flu in the general public. Testing is only done when you have symptoms and a diagnosis would change your care.

Complications

If left untreated

• Pneumonia — a serious lung infection
• Sinusitis or ear infections
• Worsening of long-term conditions like asthma, diabetes, or heart disease
• Dehydration or severe weakness
• In rare cases, inflammation of the heart, brain, or muscles

Long-term outlook

The outlook for most people with the flu is good. Symptoms usually improve within a week, although a cough or tired feeling can last longer. With rest, fluids, and good medical care when needed, the vast majority of people recover fully. If you have a procedure scheduled, your care team will work with you to find the safest timing.

Find support

Local organisations

• Your GP practice or local health clinic · Your local area

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