Flu Awareness and Precautions for the Holiday Season
Many people might not realize that the flu virus can be spread even before symptoms develop. “Remember, people can actually spread the virus before they feel sick,” explains Hutchinson. The fever and body aches we often associate with the flu are signs of our immune system responding, not the initial indication of infection. Once symptoms show up, individuals are usually contagious for about a week.
Dr. Aslam advises that if you’re feeling unwell this Christmas, it’s wise to steer clear of elderly family members and to stay home while experiencing symptoms, typically lasting four to seven days, depending on their severity, until you aren’t contagious anymore.
Experts universally recommend getting the flu vaccine, which is safe, readily accessible at pharmacies, and usually inexpensive if you don’t qualify for a free shot. The vaccine generally provides the best protection about 10-14 days after receiving it.
Even though some may be surprised to get the flu despite being vaccinated, Dr. Clarke points out that this is not unexpected. “No vaccine is 100 percent effective,” he says. Some individuals might have just gotten their vaccine and lack full immunity, while for others, it simply may not work as effectively. However, he emphasizes the importance of the vaccine. He himself contracted the flu after being vaccinated six weeks prior, but notes it helped lessen his symptoms. “In the past, when I skipped the jab, I ended up bedridden for a week.”
Dr. Clarke hopes more people would opt for vaccination. According to the latest National Flu and Covid-19 Surveillance Report, only 70.9 percent of those over 65 have received their flu shot this season, with even lower rates among eligible individuals under 65, around 35 percent. He believes improving these numbers could really make a difference.
As for treatment, Dr. Aslam mentions that the approach remains unchanged; this year’s slightly different strain should be treated like in previous years. “Get plenty of rest, stay hydrated, and use fever and pain relievers like paracetamol when necessary. Antiviral medications are typically reserved for those at higher risk since most people can recuperate at home without needing to see a doctor.”
Dr. Clarke shares that he bounced back from his recent flu episode “in about 36 hours, aided by a little medicinal whisky,” he laughs. The takeaway, he says, is that we should prepare for a challenging winter. “Some years are milder, but this one seems like it might be tougher, and we haven’t even hit the usual peak in January or February.”
“Flu outbreaks are normal every year,” he reminds us, noting that the only exception was during the Covid lockdown.
The NHS suggests that most people start feeling better within a week after showing flu symptoms. Nevertheless, some issues, like a lingering cough and fatigue, can persist for a few extra weeks. It’s essential to be aware that flu can lead to complications that last beyond the initial illness. “Flu damages respiratory tract cells that help clear infections from the lungs,” points out Prof. Paul Hunter, a medicine professor at East Anglia. “So it’s possible to recover from the acute illness and later develop serious pneumonia.”
