Flu occurs every year, usually in the winter, and it is a highly infectious disease with symptoms that come on very quickly. Colds are much less serious and usually start gradually with a stuffy or runny nose and a sore throat. A bad bout of flu can be much worse than a heavy cold and can even make healthy people feel unwell.
The most common symptoms of flu are fever, chills, headache, aches and pains in the joints and muscles, and extreme tiredness. In most cases, the symptoms are quite mild, but in others they can be very serious.
Flu is caused by a virus which can spread rapidly. Anyone can pick up the virus and pass it on to those who are at more risk of serious illness. Because flu is caused by viruses and not bacteria, antibiotics won’t treat it.
What we need from you: Vaccination is safe and the single best protection against catching and spreading flu. Getting vaccinated now will provide important protection over the coming winter months.
For additional flu information, click: phw.nhs.wales/topics/immunisation-and-vaccines/fluvaccine/