Australian Flu has been covered in the media recently and the team here at Simple Online Pharmacy thought it would be a good idea to help keep our patient informed on this potentially deadly strain of flu. Australian flu, also known as H3N2, has already unfortunately taken hundreds of lives across the world, and some deaths have also been reported in as close as Ireland. So it is very important you protect yourself as well as your families and take as much preventative measures as possible. Especially great care should be taken towards protecting the young, elderly, pregnant women and those with pre-existing health conditions.

The main ways to prevent catching flu is getting a flu jab which is commonly available from your local GP practice. Other preventative measures include washing your hands prior to eating, avoiding contact with infected individuals as well as using tissues which can be thrown once used as opposed to handkerchiefs.

Symptoms to look out for are:

  • Fever above 38C

  • Nausea

  • Fatigue

  • Aching limbs

  • Headache

  • Runny Nose

  • Cough    

  • Loss of appetite

  • Diarrhoea

  • Stomach pains

 

If you do feel you may have contract the flu the best treatment is plenty of bed rest whilst keeping yourself hydrated and taking some Ibuprofen for muscle aches if needed. Note: If you have pre-existing medical conditions or take medication regularly, only take Ibuprofen after consulting a trained medical expert such as a pharmacist or doctor. You should also avoid working during this period which usually lasts a week or so.

 

You should look to contact your GP if your:

  • symptoms have not improved after a week

  • Coughing up blood

  • Developing difficulty breathing

  • Develop sudden chest pains

  • Over 65 year old

  • Currently pregnant

  • In a high risk group

  • Taking long term medications which weaken your immune system