Influenza

Flu

Medication Online Will Be Available Soon

The media hype surrounding Swine flu may have wound down from its peak in 2009, but the flu virus can cause infections all year round and you or someone in your family may still be at risk. If you are unlucky enough to catch flu now, the chances are that your GP will advise you to stay at home, drink plenty of fluids and to treat any aches, pains or high temperatures with over-the-counter pain relief until your symptoms subside. Antibiotics are not prescribed to treat flu because it is caused by a virus and whilst anti-viral medication is available, outside of a pandemic it is usually only prescribed for those at high risk of complications. This is because the on-going potential cost of providing anti-viral therapy for flu on the NHS would be prohibitive and would ultimately drain resources from other areas such as routine surgery and even certain essential services.

How widespread is flu?

In a ‘normal’ year, it is estimated that as many as 10-20% of the UK population will get flu and in a pandemic year this can rise to 30% or more. Of the millions of people who will catch flu, most struggle on self-medicating with over-the-counter remedies until their symptoms subside. 

What are the symptoms of flu?

Flu symptoms can hit you suddenly and can be very debilitating. Symptoms usually include fever, chills, headaches, aching muscles and can often be accompanied by a cough or a sore throat at the same time. The severity and type of symptoms can vary between individuals. Most people recover fully within a week. There is a risk of serious complications such as pneumonia and this risk is greater for the very young, very old or those with pre-existing chronic diseases.

Protect Yourself Now

With Healthcare Connections Antiviral Protection Plan, you can have guaranteed, year round access to antiviral medication should you become ill with seasonal flu swine flu or come into contact with someone who is confirmed as having seasonal flu or swine flu. The antiviral we use is Tamiflu. Tamiflu is not a substitute for vaccination against flu but it can help to prevent you getting flu after close contact with someone who already has flu. Tamiflu may also help someone who contracts flu to recover more quickly if taken within 48 hours of the first symptoms appearing.