Help us to make sure people know what to do when they have flu

Help us to make sure people know what to do when they have flu.

January is a time when people find themselves with the dreaded flu and as it can usually be treated at home, Bay Health and Care Partners are urging people to make sure they know what to do.

Dr Andy Knox, Director of Population Health and Engagement in Morecambe Bay said: “Flu is an extremely unpleasant illness, with high temperatures, muscle aches and feeling generally unwell.

“If you are otherwise healthy, flu can often be managed at home by making sure you get plenty of rest, keeping warm, staying hydrated and taking paracetamol or ibuprofen to lower your temperature and treat aches and pains. It’s not unusual to feel under the weather for a few weeks after flu, but if your symptoms get worse or are not improving after a week, contact your GP.”

Dr Alex Gaw, local GP and Chair of Morecambe Bay Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), said: “The flu can be a pretty nasty illness and can make people feel very unwell. However most people, who are not in an ‘at risk’ group, should not need medical or hospital care if they follow the simple advice above and look after themselves properly.”

Dr Colin Read, Lead Consultant in Emergency Medicine, Royal Lancaster Infirmary added: “Keeping Emergency Departments free for people who really need them helps us to keep your loved ones safe. Our staff are working incredibly hard to look after our patients at a time of increased demand. Help support your NHS by taking this advice on board.”

For more information about flu, visit;
https://www.morecambebayccg.nhs.uk/your-health/seasonal-flu

It’s also important to remember that it’s not too late for a flu vaccination especially for those who are at a higher risk of becoming more seriously ill. This includes people who:

Are 65 or over
Are pregnant
Have a lung, heart, kidney, liver or neurological disease
Have a weakened immune system
Have a long term health condition such as diabetes
If you are eligible for the free flu vaccination on the NHS, it’s available from your GP or local pharmacy.