Flu will often get better on its own, but it can make some people seriously ill.
Symptoms of flu
Flu symptoms come on very quickly and can include:
- a sudden high temperature
- an aching body
- feeling tired or exhausted
- a dry cough
- a sore throat
- a headache
- difficulty sleeping
- loss of appetite
If you have the flu, there are some things you can do to help get better more quickly.
Do
- rest and sleep
- take paracetamol or ibuprofen to lower your temperature and treat aches and pains
- drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration (your pee should be clear)
- gargle salt water to soothe a sore throat (not suitable for children)
- drink a hot lemon and honey drink to soothe a sore throat
Don't
- do not give aspirin to children under the age of 16
- do not smoke as it can make your symptoms worse
Adapted from: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/flu/
