Hundreds of us are fighting the flu, but is there anything we can do to avoid it?

IT'S A miserable start to the new year. Stuck in bed at home feeling grotty with a pounding head, aching muscles and the energy of an empty battery.

Hundreds of people in Hampshire are fighting the flu virus as it gradually makes its way around the county.

The as yet mild winter seems to have left our immune systems vulnerable without the extra strength to fight the common influenza virus.

Consequently, people have been dropping like flies and struggling to muster up enough energy just to reach for the phone and call in sick.

According to the Health Protection Agency, an independent organisation set up to protect the health and wellbeing of the population, the flu season runs from October to May.

Dr Linda Booth, from the Hampshire branch of the agency, said: "Flu very often peaks around Christmas and New Year, but it can be as late as March so we cannot breathe a sigh of relief yet.

"At the moment there is no evidence that there have been more flu cases than expected, but the reporting of cases tends to go a bit skew-whiff over the course of the Christmas period.

"Because most people tend to look after themselves rather than seeing the doctor, it is hard to compile figures on the number of cases.

"Flu does spread very quickly, which is the major concern. We are not out of the woods yet."

Dr David Paynton, a GP in Southampton, offered some wise words on what to do if you are struck down with the dreaded bug.

He said: "There are always lots of illnesses about in the winter.

"There is no cure for flu. Antibiotics don't help unless there are complications, but a painkiller such as paracetamol or aspirin will help reduce your temperature and relieve any headache or muscular pains.

"If you get flu this winter it is best to stay at home, drink plenty of fluids and eat what you can."

Flu usually comes on very quickly - one minute you are at work feeling fine and the next you are knocked for six, holed up in bed.

Dr Paynton said typical flu symptoms include chills, high fever, headache, aching limbs, sore throat, cough and a feeling of weakness.

Most people feel ill and have symptoms for up to a week but can still feel weak and under the weather for up to two weeks afterwards.

For all the advice on staying healthy, the only thing we can really do is grin and bear it.

HOW TO AVOID FLU

  • Eat a healthy diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables.

  • Wash your hands regularly.

  • Avoid people who are coughing and sneezing.

  • Take regular exercise.

  • Get plenty of rest.

  • Do not smoke.

  • Get a flu jab from your GP surgery if you are in an at risk' group. This includes people over 65, anyone living in a residential or nursing home, those caring for people at risk of flu complications, and anyone with asthma, lung disease, heart disease, kidney disease, liver disease, diabetes or lowered immunity

ADVICE IF YOU GET FLU

  • Stay at home and get plenty of rest. The body uses a lot of energy fighting infection so take a couple of days' rest.

  • Keep warm.

  • Drink hot water with lemon, ginger and honey.

  • Drink lots of water to avoid dehydration.

  • Take paracetamol or ibuprofen to lower your temperature and relieve headaches and muscle aches.

  • To relieve a sore throat, inhale steam to help loosen phlegm.

For further help and advice call NHS Direct on 0845 4647, speak to your pharmacist, contact your GP or visit Bitterne or Shirley NHS walk-in centres.