Doctor urges people to “think carefully” when it comes to seasonal flu

A senior doctor has urged people to think carefully before going to hospital or to their GP with coughs and colds.

Seasonal flu and colds are on the increase throughout the UK, and the North West region has seen a big rise in the numbers attending its emergency department and urgent care centres and calling GP out of hours with symptoms. The number of calls to GP out of hours services from people who mainly have cold symptoms mean that people who are seriously ill and need treatment may struggle to get through on the phone.

North West paramedics Ruth Thomas and Mandy McFarlane and hospital Consultants Simon Tucker and Nigel Kidner have taken part in a series of short films, to give local people advice on how to self-care for minor illnesses including flu, coughs and colds. These can be viewed on the Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/nhsnwchoosewell  and on YouTube at www.youtube.com/nwnhs
Dr Ruth Hussey, Regional Director for Public Health said normally healthy adults should stay at home and combat their flu and cold symptoms with over-the-counter remedies from the pharmacist, rather than going to hospital or calling their GP. By attending GP surgeries and A&E departments patients risk passing illness to vulnerable people.

Dr Hussey said: “We always see a rise in flu and colds at this time of year. Flu and the common cold are viral illnesses and the first line of treatment is rest, paracetamol and fluids. This advice is also available on the NHS Choices website and by calling NHS Direct on 0845 46.”

Symptoms of flu include:
• sudden fever (a temperature of 38°C/100.4°F or above),
• dry, chesty cough,
• headache,
• tiredness,
• chills,
• aching muscles,
• limb or joint pain,
• diarrhoea or stomach upset,
• sore throat,
• runny or blocked nose,
• sneezing,
• loss of appetite, and
• difficulty sleeping.

Dr Hussey repeated the message that anyone who is an at risk group should take up the offer of a seasonal flu vaccine this year. She said: “For the majority of normally health adults who catch the flu, it will be unpleasant and inconvenient, but they will begin to feel better within four to five days. If symptoms are not getting better, patients should call their GP for further advice, but again they should not visit the surgery, as they risk passing on their infection to vulnerable people. If you need to pick up medication, including anti-virals, ask a friend, family member or neighbour to pick them up for you.

“People with chronic lung, heart, liver, kidney or neurological problems, as well as those with weakened immune systems, can become seriously ill, as well as over-65s and pregnant women. They should telephone their GP if they think they have flu-symptoms.

“These people should make sure they have the flu vaccine to protect themselves. If they have not yet had the jab, they should contact their GP to make an appointment as soon as possible.

“Children under 5, with flu like symptoms should be assessed by a health care professional.”