Based on the information you gave us, we made the following recommendation:
Flu (influenza) is a common infectious viral illness. You can catch flu all year round, but it’s especially common in winter. This is why it’s also known as seasonal flu.
You can catch flu many times because flu viruses change regularly. Your body won’t have a natural resistance to the new versions.
Flu symptoms
Some of the main symptoms of flu include:
a sudden high temperature
tiredness and weakness
a headache
general aches and pains
a dry, chesty cough
sore throat
difficulty sleeping
loss of appetite
diarrhoea or tummy pain
feeling sick and being sick
chills
a runny or blocked nose
sneezing
The symptoms are similar for children. They may also get pain in their ear and be less active.
How long do symptoms last
The symptoms of flu usually develop 1 to 3 days after becoming infected. Most people will feel better within a week.
But, you may have a lingering cough and still feel very tired for a few more weeks.
Flu-like illness self-help guide
Complete our self-help guide to check your symptoms and find out what to do next.
Phone 999 or go to A&E if you:
get sudden chest pain
have difficulty breathing
start coughing up a lot of blood
Phone 111 or ask for an urgent GP appointment if:
You or your child have symptoms of flu and:
you’re worried about your baby’s or child’s symptoms
you’re 65 or over
you’re pregnant
you have a long-term medical condition – for example, diabetes or a condition that affects your heart, lungs, kidneys, brain or nerves
you have a weakened immune system – for example, because of chemotherapy or HIV
your symptoms don’t improve after 7 days
Get advice from a pharmacist
A pharmacist can give you advice about how to treat flu.