Flu FAQs

Q. How can I tell if I have a cold or flu?

A. There are many common symptoms between colds and flu - they are both infections of the upper respiratory tract, for instance. However, they are caused by different viruses, with the flu virus often causing more intense symptoms.

Generally speaking cold viruses are milder than flu viruses, with typical symptoms including sneezing and a runny or stuffy nose with a sore throat and chesty cough. Flu, on the other hand, is often accompanied by high fever (as opposed to a occasional mild temperature, with colds), shivers, headache, aching limbs and a complete lack of energy.

And while a cold can take days to develop, starting with a tingling in the nose or throat, progressing to a runny nose, sneezing and then congestion, the onset of flu can be very sudden.

Q. What is flu?

A. Flu is a highly contagious respiratory infection. It spreads easily from person to person when someone with flu coughs, or sneezes, and the virus is transmitted through the air by droplets.

Q Will a seasonal flu vaccination also provide protection against swine flu?

A. Yes. This year's seasonal flu vaccine contains the H1N1 flu virus strain which causes swine flu.

Q Do I need a flu jab?

A. Most people recover from flu easily enough, but some people are more likely to develop complications and are eligible for a free annual flu jab, including:

People over the age of 65

People who live in a residential or nursing home, or those who care for or work with elderly or sick people

People with a lung disease such as bronchitis, asthma or COPD

Those with heart disease, kidney disease, diabetes, neurological disease (Parkinson's, motor neurone disease etc), diabetes or who have a weakened immune system (HIV and cancer patients, for instance)

People who work with poultry

Q. When and where can I get the jab?

A. If you think you should have a flu jab speak to your pharmacist or GP who can advise you when and where the vaccinations will be available. Many pharmacies now offer chargeable vaccination services for those who want to avoid catching flu. To find your nearest participating pharmacy, visit www.allabouthealth.org.uk

Q. How does a flu vaccine work?

A. It will stimulate the first wave of your body's natural defences and create antibodies that will help defend your body from the types of flu virus found in this year's flu vaccine.

Q Do I have to have the vaccination every year?

A. Yes, because each year there are different strains of the virus which cause the infection and so the vaccines have to be adapted every year to target that particular strain.

Q. Will the flu vaccine give me flu?

A. No, the vaccination does not cause flu. Some people may experience a mild reaction to the jab but this only lasts a day or two.

Q. I had the flu vaccine last year but still caught flu, why is that?

A. The flu jab is designed to protect you from the most common forms of flu, and is the best protection available. Overall, in years when the vaccine and circulating viruses are well-matched, influenza vaccines can be expected to reduce laboratory-confirmed influenza by approximately 70%-90% in healthy adults under the age of 65.4 Having the vaccination will significantly reduce your chance of getting flu.

Q. Will a seasonal flu vaccination also provide protection against swine flu?

A. Yes, this year's seasonal flu vaccine contains the H1N1 flu virus strain which causes swine flu.

Q. Will antibiotics help if I have a cold or flu?

A. Only if you develop a complication such as a throat or chest infection. Antibiotics aren't normally used to treat colds and flu because they are caused by viral infections - antibiotics, on the other hand, only treat bacterial infections.