What is flu and what are the symptoms?

What is flu and what are the symptoms?

Published: 31st October, 2017 in: Cough, Cold and Flu

Flu is a highly infectious, airborne virus, spread through coughs, sneezes and surface contact – such as touching door handles. It affects the UK from September to April each year. Flu usually passes in around seven days.

Symptoms of Flu:

  • A sudden fever - a temperature of 38C or above – this is of the of main differences you might notice between this and a cold, which tend to come on gradually.
  • Aching body
  • Feeling tired or exhausted – much more than a cold, often resulting in not being able to carry on day to day activities.
  • Dry, chesty cough
  • Sore throat
  • Headache
  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Loss of appetite
  • Diarrhoea or tummy pain
  • Nausea and being sick