Flu Treatment Service

When to book flu treatment

Come in as soon as symptoms start, as antivirals work best within 48 hours. Flu symptoms come on quickly, usually within one to three days of infection:

• A sudden high temperature of 38C or above
• Body aches and pains in the muscles and joints
• Extreme tiredness that can last several weeks
• A dry, persistent cough
• Sore throat and headache
• Loss of appetite, nausea and sometimes diarrhoea
• Difficulty sleeping
• Sneezing and a runny or blocked nose

Cold symptoms develop gradually and mainly affect the nose and throat. Flu is more sudden, more widespread and more severe. If you are unsure which you have, our pharmacists can assess you.

Seek urgent medical advice for difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, chest pain or tightness, symptoms worsening after initially improving, a high temperature that does not respond to paracetamol or ibuprofen, confusion, drowsiness or reduced consciousness, or any concerning symptoms in a baby or young child.

Who benefits from antiviral treatment?

Antivirals such as oseltamivir (Tamiflu) reduce the severity and duration of flu if taken within 48 hours of symptoms starting. They are particularly recommended for:

• Adults aged 65 and over
• Pregnant women
• People with long-term conditions such as asthma, COPD, diabetes, heart disease or kidney disease
• People with weakened immune systems, including those having chemotherapy
• People with a BMI of 40 or above
• Children under 5

What is flu?

Flu is a highly contagious respiratory infection caused by influenza viruses. It spreads through coughs and sneezes and can survive on surfaces for up to 24 hours, so it spreads easily in workplaces, schools and on public transport. The UK flu season runs from October to March, peaking between December and February.

Complications include secondary bacterial infections such as pneumonia and bronchitis, sinusitis, middle ear infections and worsening of existing conditions such as asthma or heart failure. Antibiotics do not work against flu itself, but we can advise or refer if a secondary bacterial infection develops.

Recovering from flu

• Rest as much as possible and avoid strenuous activity
• Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated
• Take paracetamol or ibuprofen for fever and aches
• Keep warm and comfortable without overheating
• Use tissues when coughing or sneezing and dispose of them promptly
• Wash your hands regularly to avoid spreading the virus

Stay at home until you are no longer contagious, usually five to seven days after symptoms start. The best protection is the annual flu vaccination, which is updated each year as flu viruses change. We offer both NHS flu vaccinations and private flu jabs.

Find flu treatment near you

Walk in with no appointment for same-day assessment, antivirals for eligible patients, a full range of over-the-counter remedies and private consultations. Use the postcode search above to find your nearest Allied Pharmacy.