Just the flu? | NHS

What is the flu?

The flu is a sickness that can make you feel very tired and hot. People with the flu might cough, have a runny nose, or an achy body.

If you think you have the flu, it's important to rest and drink lots of water. Tell a grown-up who can help you see a doctor if you need to.

You can use pictures or ask someone to explain things to you if you don’t understand.

What happens when you have the flu?

When you get the flu, you might feel sick. Here are some things that could happen:

• You might have a hot feeling, called a fever.
• You might start to cough a lot.
• Your throat might feel sore.
• You might feel very tired.
• Your body might hurt all over.
• Your nose might run or feel blocked.

It helps to rest, drink lots of water, and get advice from a grown-up or doctor if you feel very sick.

How does the flu spread?

The flu is a virus. This means it can make people sick.

Here is how the flu can spread:

• When a sick person coughs or sneezes, tiny drops go in the air.
• You can breathe in these drops and get sick too.
• You can touch things like door handles where the virus might be. Then, if you touch your face, you can get sick.

You can do some things to keep safe:

• Wash your hands with soap often.
• Try not to touch your face.
• Stay away from people who are coughing or sneezing.

These steps help you stay healthy!

How can I stop getting the flu?

Here are some simple ways to help you stay healthy and not get the flu:

• Get a flu shot. A flu shot can protect you from the flu.
• Wash your hands often. Use soap and water to clean your hands.
• Stay away from people who are sick. This can stop you from catching the flu.
• Eat healthy food and get lots of sleep. This makes your body strong.
• If you feel sick, tell an adult. They can help you get better.

Using pictures or videos can also help you understand these steps better. You can ask someone you trust to show you what to do.

Who can get a free flu shot?

Some people can get a flu shot without paying.

Children, older people, or people with certain health problems might get it for free.

Tools like picture guides or help from a friend can make understanding easier.

Can you use antibiotics to treat the flu?

What should I do if I have the flu?

If you have the flu, here are some easy-to-do things to feel better:

• Rest: Sleep lots to help your body fight the flu.
• Drink: Have lots of water, juice, or soup to stay hydrated.
• Medicine: Use medicine like paracetamol to help with fever and aches.
• Ask for Help: Talk to a grown-up or call a doctor if you feel very sick.
• Stay Home: Try not to go out so you don't give the flu to others.

You can also use a calendar or ask someone to remind you to take your medicine and drink fluids.

How long does the flu last?

The flu is a sickness that makes you feel bad. You might have a sore throat, runny nose, or feel very tired.

Most people with the flu feel sick for about a week. This means 7 days. Some people feel better in a few days. For others, it can take a bit longer.

Here are some things you can do to feel better:

• Rest a lot. This means lying down and sleeping as much as you can.
• Drink lots of water or juice. This keeps your body strong.
• Eat healthy foods like fruits and vegetables.
• Ask a grown-up for medicine if you have a fever or sore throat.

If you feel very sick or not better after a week, talk to a doctor. The doctor can help you.

Try using a calendar to count the days you feel sick. This can help you see if you are getting better.

Keep clean by washing your hands a lot. This helps stop the flu from spreading.

When should I go to the doctor for the flu?

You should see a doctor if you have the flu and:

• Your breathing is hard.
• Your chest hurts.
• You feel dizzy a lot.
• You can't stop vomiting.
• You feel really weak or tired.
• Your fever doesn't go away.

If you want help understanding this, ask someone you trust to read it with you. You can also use a computer to read the words out loud.

Can I get the flu more than one time?

Yes, you can get the flu more than once. The flu virus can change, and there are different types of flu viruses.

To help keep safe:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water.
• Get a flu shot every year.
• Stay away from people who are sick.
• Cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze or cough.

These steps can help you stay healthy and avoid getting the flu again.

How are a cold and the flu different?

A cold and the flu are both sicknesses. They can make you feel bad, but they are not the same. Here is how they are different:

• Cold: A cold can give you a runny nose, cough, and sneezing. It is not as serious as the flu. You might feel a bit tired, but you can usually still do things.
• Flu: The flu is worse than a cold. It can make you feel very tired and sick. You might have a fever, which means your body is too hot. You might also get a headache and body aches.

If you feel sick, rest and drink water. Tell a grown-up or see a doctor if you feel very bad.

Some tools and techniques to help you understand better:

• Pictures can help you see what is being talked about.
• Talking to someone about it can help too. They can explain things to you.

Is it okay to get a flu shot when you are pregnant?

If you are pregnant, it is okay to get a flu shot. The flu shot helps protect you and your baby from getting sick.

Here are some tips to help you understand:

• Ask your doctor or nurse if you have questions.
• You can use pictures or videos to learn more.
• It is good to have someone explain it to you step by step.

Can the flu shot make me sick with the flu?

Does the flu shot work well?

The flu shot helps keep you from getting sick with the flu. But it does not work every time.

Here is how it can help:

• It can stop you from getting the flu.
• If you do get the flu, the shot can help you not be as sick.
• Getting the shot helps protect other people too.

Some things that can help you understand better:

• Use pictures or videos about the flu shot.
• Ask someone you trust to explain it to you.
• Write down questions to ask your doctor.

Does the flu shot have any side effects?

When you get the flu shot, sometimes it can cause a few side effects. Side effects are things that might make you feel a bit different after getting the shot.

Common side effects can include:

• A sore arm where you got the shot.
• A headache.
• Feeling a bit tired.
• A slight fever.

These side effects are usually mild and go away on their own in a day or two.

If you are worried about the side effects, talk to an adult you trust or a doctor.

Here are some tools and tips to help you:

• Use a pillow to make your arm more comfortable if it's sore.
• Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
• Rest if you feel tired or have a headache.