As temperatures drop and more people spend time indoors, ‘super flu’ season begins to make its yearly return. Because of this, many wonder whether getting the flu vaccine is really necessary. Each year millions of people are affected by influenza, with symptoms ranging from mild discomfort to severe illness.
What is flu?
Influenza (flu) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. Most people recover from the common symptoms within a week or two, but flu can sometimes lead to complications such as pneumonia, especially for people with underlying health conditions.
What are the different symptoms associated with flu, covid and ‘super flu’?
Flu caused by influenza A or B viruses may cause the following symptoms:
- Fever
- Chills
- Muscle aches
- Cough
- Fatigue
COVID-19 caused by the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. Symptoms can overlap with flu but often the following occur:
- Loss of taste and / or smell (less common in recent variants)
- Prolonged fatigue
- Broader range of respiratory and systemic effects
‘Super Flu’ is a casual phase (non-medical) used when an individual experiences an intense viral illness.
Similar to flu symptoms but may also include:
- Headache
- Congestion
- Runny nose
Symptoms of the flu and COVID-19
While flu and COVID-19 share many similarities in terms of symptoms, there are some key differences that can help you tell them apart.
Symptoms of the flu
Influenza symptoms generally appear suddenly and can include:
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Muscle or body aches
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Nausea or vomiting (more common in children)
Flu symptoms often hit you hard and fast, and you may feel very unwell within a few hours of infection. People with the flu tend to feel extremely tired and can experience muscle aches and pains that make it hard to move around.
Symptoms of COVID-19
COVID-19 symptoms can vary widely but usually appear between 2 to 14 days after exposure to the virus. Common symptoms include:
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fatigue
- Muscle or body aches
- Loss of taste or smell (less common in newer variants)
- Sore throat
- Congestion or runny nose
- Headache
COVID-19 can also lead to more serious respiratory symptoms and complications, particularly in those with weakened immune systems or underlying health conditions. People with COVID-19 might experience shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, and a more prolonged illness compared to the flu.
Who needs a flu vaccine?
The flu vaccine is encouraged by health authorities for every individual during the winter months to help minimise the spread however there are certain people who are more susceptible:
- Adults 65 and over
- Pregnant individuals
- Children (age ranges vary by region)
- People with chronic health conditions (e.g. asthma, diabetes, heart disease)
- Immunocompromised individuals
- Healthcare workers and caregivers
- Residents of long-term care facilities
Should you consider the flu vaccine?
Most people benefit from getting the flu vaccine as it lowers the likelihood of getting seriously ill and helps reduce the severity if you do catch the virus. Because flu strains evolve each year, the vaccine is updated annually, which is why people are advised to get a booster every flu season.
If you have concerns or a medical condition that might affect vaccination, it is best to check with a healthcare professional who can offer guidance based on your personal health needs.
Where to buy?
The flu vaccine is readily available to buy depending on your location, such as:
- Pharmacies and chemists
- GP or primary-care clinics
- Workplace health programs
- Travel clinics
- Supermarket pharmacies with in-store vaccination services
Some of the above offer free vaccinations for eligible groups, please check here to see if you’re eligible here Flu vaccine – NHS or contact your local GP practise GP practices in Liverpool.
How else can I protect myself this flu season?
There are a number of ways to minimise the risk of contracting flu this winter, some of which include:
- The colder weather has us spending more of our time indoors therefore having a window open can provide ventilation
- Practising good hygiene is a great way to protect yourself, you can learn more about this from an earlier blog found here – Practical tips to stay well this winter – Primary Care 24
If you are sick, you may want to consider wearing a mask to protect those around you or in the early days of contracting an illness, stay home and isolate to minimise the spread.
