Tablet of Contents

What is the flu?

Flu symptoms

Flu treatments

What is the flu?

The flu is the common term used for infection with the influenza virus. Influenza is a respiratory illness that is usually spread in the community seasonally during winter. It changes itself slightly every year, having multiple variations making it difficult for our body to resist infection. 

It will generally last for between 5 to 14 days and resolve on its own. If it is particularly severe or you believe you may be experiencing complications make sure you see your doctor.

What causes the flu?

The flu is caused by the influenza virus (the flu virus) and is spread by coughs and sneezes. The virus will be in the fluid in the mucus of an infected person and pass through to another person by breathing it in through the mouth or nose.

Flu symptoms

It is not the same as a common cold. It often comes on quickly, is much more severe, and lasts longer than the common cold.

The symptoms of the flu can include:

• Rapid onset
• A fever of 38 celsius or more
• Headaches
• Extreme fatigue
• Muscle soreness and weakness
• General aches and pain
• Coughing
• 5 to 14-day duration

The main features of a cold which differentiate it from the flu are:

• Sore throat
• Sneezing
• Gradual onset
• Sinus congestion or running nose
• 1-5 day duration

Flu complications

As the flu is a respiratory illness that can cause severe complications in some people. Complications are most common in people over 65 years, people living with immune deficiencies or those with chronic medical conditions, but they may happen to anyone.

One of the most common complications of the flu is pneumonia which can cause severe difficulties breathing. 

Other complications can be inflammation of organs which can be life-threatening. It may also cause a worsening of chronic conditions such as asthma or chronic heart disease.

Flu treatments

Treatments for the flu can be separated into two categories. Medicines that target the virus itself and medicines that target the symptoms only to provide symptomatic relief. Both may be used together in order to minimise the duration and discomfort of the flu.

Antiviral drugs for treating and preventing the flu

Oseltamivir (Tamiflu) is an antiviral medicine that can prevent or reduce the duration and severity of the flu by several days if taken with 48 hours (next day delivery is suggested). It has been found to also reduce the chance of complications by 40% and hospitalisation by 60%.

It works by disrupting the ability of virus-infected cells to release more of the virus. Doing so limits the number of cells that are infected during the infection.

Dose for treating the flu:

Take one capsule twice a day for 5 days. Must be taken within the first 48 hours of infection.

Dose for preventing the flu:

Take one capsule once daily for 10 days. Take it as soon as possible after exposure to a confirmed case of the flu.

Side effects of this medicine can be headaches, stomach upset and dizziness.

Antiviral treatments may be used with symptomatic treatments.

Treating the symptoms of the flu

If you cannot take Tamiflu within 48 hours of infection it is suggested that you stick to only symptomatic treatment. These are generally combination products containing pain relief, anti-inflammatories, decongestants, and/or cough medicine.
Generally, it is recommended to take paracetamol for pain and fever relief as well as ibuprofen for aches and pains. If a cough or congestion is present you may also decide to use medicines such as Sudafed or Benylin.

Visit our cough, cold and flu medicine range

Antibiotics and the flu

Do not use or request antibiotics for the flu. The flu is a viral infection, not bacterial, so antibiotics will not help with symptoms or recovery. They will more likely cause unwanted side effects and worsen your health. 

Only use antibiotics if advised by a health professional if a bacterial infection is present at the same time as influenza.

Lifestyle treatments for the flu

In order to get better as quickly as possible, it is important that you:

• Keep warm
• Stay hydrated - sweating during fevers often leads to dehydration
• Rest or if possible sleep

Stopping the spread of the flu

If you have influenza you should stay at home and limit your contact with non-infected people. If you are required to be in contact with someone (your doctor), wear a face mask to protect others. This will lower the risk of the flu being passed onto those around you.

If you have been in contact with someone with the virus, ensure you are as hygienic as possible. Wash your hands regularly and disinfect exposed areas where possible.

The best way to prevent the spread of the virus is through the flu vaccine. It is best to get the flu vaccine 2-3 weeks before the flu season begins. Do this every flu season as the strain of the influenza virus changes each year.