Flu (Influenza)
Checked against current published health guidance — last reviewed 2026-09-22. See how we check.
Flu typically comes on suddenly with a high fever, body aches, exhaustion, and a dry cough, and most people recover at home within about a week with rest and fluids. Seek urgent care for breathing difficulty, chest pain, confusion, or symptoms that improve then suddenly worsen.
Overview
Flu is a viral infection that spreads easily, especially in colder months. Unlike a cold, it tends to hit hard and fast — high fever, chills, muscle aches, headache, and fatigue that can leave you needing to rest in bed for several days.
Most healthy adults recover within a week to ten days, though tiredness can linger longer.
What may help
- Rest and stay hydrated — fever and sweating increase fluid loss
- Paracetamol or ibuprofen (as directed) can help with fever and aches
- Stay home and away from others, especially anyone at higher risk, while infectious
- Warm drinks and a humid room can ease a sore throat and cough
When to see a pharmacist or GP
- You're in a higher-risk group (pregnant, over 65, young child, or a long-term health condition) and think you have flu
- Symptoms haven't started improving after a week
- A high fever that keeps returning or won't settle
- You're on medication that suppresses your immune system
When it could be an emergency
- Difficulty breathing or breathlessness
- Chest pain, or pain when breathing
- Symptoms that improve and then suddenly get worse again
- Confusion, severe weakness, or fainting
If any of these apply, don't wait — check Red Flags for your country's emergency number, or go straight to your nearest emergency department.
Want more detail, tailored to your own situation?
Look up "Flu (Influenza)" in the appCommon questions
Do I need to see a doctor for flu?
Most people don't — rest and fluids at home are usually enough. See a pharmacist or GP if you're in a higher-risk group or symptoms are severe or not improving.
Is the flu vaccine worth having?
For most people, especially those in higher-risk groups, the annual flu vaccine is recommended — a pharmacist or GP can advise on eligibility and timing where you are.
How long is someone with flu contagious?
Typically from a day before symptoms start to about a week after, though this can vary — children and people with weaker immune systems may be infectious for longer.
Read more on the NHS website →
General information only, last checked 2026-09-22 — not medical advice and not a diagnosis. This page doesn't cover every cause or every person's situation; for anything specific to you or someone in your care, speak to a pharmacist, GP, or other qualified professional. Content is checked against current published guidance from official public health sources — see how we check. Be Health Wise is part of the Be Wise family of apps.