Most people recover from flu at home without needing medical treatment.

To help ease symptoms:

• Get plenty of rest
• Drink lots of fluids
• Take paracetamol or ibuprofen if needed
• Use suitable medicines for children

Do not give aspirin to children under 16.

Help and advice from your pharmacy

A pharmacist can give treatment advice and recommend flu remedies.

Do not take extra paracetamol if you’re already taking a cold or flu medicine that contains paracetamol, as this could mean you take too much.

What to do if flu symptoms get worse

Contact your GP practice if you:

• are worried about your baby’s or child’s symptoms
• are aged 65 or over
• are pregnant or have recently given birth
• have a long-term health condition
• have a weakened immune system
• feel very unwell
• are short of breath
• have symptoms that do not improve after seven days

Call 999 or go to your nearest emergency department if you:

• Have sudden chest pain
• Have severe difficulty breathing
• Cannot speak in full sentences due to breathlessness
• Are gasping or choking
• Cough up blood

Bring any medicines you are taking with you.