What is flu?
Flu is a viral infection which can make even the fittest person feel quite ill.
The symptoms of flu may last several days, usually starting with a high temperature often with a headache.
Your limbs can ache and your muscles can feel weak.
You may also have a dry irritating cough, a sore throat and a runny, itchy nose.

Who can catch flu?
Flu can spread very rapidly, so it is easy to catch and to pass on to others.
Flu is most likely to affect you in the autumn and winter, e.g. from October to March.
In other words, anyone!
However some people are more at risk than others.

If you are elderly, have a heart, lung or kidney disorder or have diabetes, you should take particular care not to catch flu.

How can I protect myself and my family against flu?
If you are one of those patients who are at greater risk from flu, you should try to avoid catching it.
A flu vaccination can help to protect you from flu.
One simple injection, normally given in the autumn, can help to protect you right through the cold months when flu is most prevalent.