People have been warned the virus ‘can make some people seriously ill’
People have been warned that autumn and winter often provide the perfect conditions for a common virus to spread like wildfire. While it can make some people seriously ill, proper precautions can make the situation easier to handle when it does strike.
In a recent post on X, a spokesperson for the NHS said: “Flu can be very unpleasant for children and can sometimes cause serious problems, such as pneumonia. The nasal spray flu vaccine for children is quick, safe and helps keep families and communities protected over winter.”
The NHS shared some information about preventing the virus, which tends to spread more during the cold winter months when people spend more time indoors and close contact allows germs to breed more easily. According to the NHS website, the flu will often get better on its own, but it can make some people seriously ill.
The viral infection is known to affect the nose, throat, and lungs. It usually causes symptoms like a runny nose, sneezing, watery eyes and throat irritation.
Some of these symptoms are very similar to a common cold. However, the key difference between this and the flu is developing a fever or body aches. The symptoms are similar for children, but they can also experience pain in their ears and appear less active.
How can I treat the flu at home?
Flu is very infectious and can easily spread to other people if proper precautions are not taken. In most cases, the flu can be treated at home without getting much worse.
People are advised to get plenty of rest, keep warm, and consider taking medication like paracetamol or ibuprofen to lower their temperature and treat aches and pains. The NHS adds to its advice that children should be given this medication if they are “distressed or uncomfortable,” but parents should always double-check the packaging to check what dosage is suitable for younger people.
Staying properly hydrated is also an important part of the recovery process. If you are struggling, a pharmacist can give treatment advice and recommend flu remedies.
Is there a vaccine for the flu?
Each winter in the UK, thousands of children are eligible to get a “safe and effective” flu vaccine. It’s offered on the NHS every year in autumn or early winter to some adults and children at higher risk of getting seriously ill from flu.
It’s recommended for children as young as 2 and can be offered to school-aged children from Reception (ages 4/5) all the way up to Year 11 (ages 15/16). Children as young as six months old with certain long-term health conditions are also entitled to the vaccine – a full list of eligible health issues can be found here.
The children’s flu vaccine is usually given as a quick and painless nasal spray in each nostril. Children who cannot have the nasal spray vaccine will get a different flu vaccine, usually an injection into the upper arm or thigh.
If you think your child may need the injected flu vaccine, you can speak to your GP, practice nurse or the school immunisation team.