Flu (also known as influenza) is a disease of the lungs and upper airways caused by infection with a flu virus. It usually occurs during the winter months, from October to April in the UK.

The flu virus is usually spread in the small droplets of saliva coughed or sneezed into the atmosphere by an infected person. Direct contact with hands contaminated with the virus can also spread infection.

The main symptoms are a high temperature with general aches and pains. There is often a loss of appetite, nausea and a harsh dry cough. For most people symptoms peak after 2-3 days, and they begin to feel much better with-in 5-8 days.

For the majority of fit healthy people, the need to be vaccinated against flu is not a priority and they can treat the symptoms of flu at home using remedies commonly available from pharmacies.

However, there are certain groups of people who for a number of reasons may have difficulty fighting off flu and who are also at greater risk of developing complications associated with flu, such as bronchitis or pneumonia, or are at increased risk of exposure to flu such as people working in healthcare. That is why it is so important for these people to receive an annual flu injection.