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Infection Control: Preventing the spread of influenza

What are the symptoms?

The most common symptoms of influenza are an abrupt onset of fever, shivering, headache, muscle ache and dry cough. Most people confuse influenza with a heavy cold, however influenza is usually a more severe illness than the common cold, which is caused by other respiratory viruses such as rhinovirus.

How is it spread?

The flu virus is highly contagious and is easily passed from person-to-person when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Transmission can also occur by touching a surface contaminated with respiratory secretions and then putting the fingers in the mouth or nose or near the eyes. The flu virus can live on a hard surface for up to 24 hours and a soft surface for around 20 minutes.

How can I reduce the spread?

Good hand hygiene can help to reduce the transmission of all viruses, including influenza. This includes:

  • Covering your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, and using a tissue when possible.
  • Disposing of dirty tissues promptly and carefully.
  • Maintaining good basic hygiene, for example washing hands frequently with soap and water to reduce the spread of the virus from your hands to face or to other people.
  • Cleaning hard surfaces that you regularly come into contact with frequently, for example door handles, using a normal cleaning product.
  • Making sure your children follow this advice.

What if I get it?

It is important for you to monitor your health closely for seven days. There is no need for you to isolate yourself from other people as long as you remain well.

If during the period you develop a feverish illness accompanied by one or more of cough, sore throat, headache and muscle aches, you should stay at home and contact;

  1. NHS Direct
  2. Your GP

Do not attend the hospital A&E if you are unwell with flu-like symptoms you should always contact your GP/NHS Direct in the first instance, to be advised further.

At-risk groups, such as the elderly, pregnant women and patients with heart problems, diabetes or lung, liver or renal diseases, or those who have weak immune systems are at risk of developing complications, should contact their GP directly.

Rest, take paracetamol and drink plenty of fluids (non alcoholic) Take ibuprofen, if there are no contraindications for example, asthmatics, those who suffer from indigestion. Always read the drug information sheet that is with the medication.

Further information for the public and healthcare professionals can be found on the Health Protection Agency’s website www.hpa.org.uk