Flu Fears: What to Look Out for and How to Avoid Getting Infected

Winter often comes with its regular sneezes and sniffles, but the nature of this years illnesses have gone up on the severity scale. This winter has seen a sharp rise in the number of influenza cases, and experts fear a flu epidemic similar to the one which hit Britain eight years ago.

According to the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP), there has been a 73% rise in the number of people visiting their doctor with symptoms of influenza throughout England and Wales. The last biggest outbreak occurred during the winter of 1999/2000,  when incidents hit a peak of 220 cases per 100,000.  An estimated 22,000 people died at this time and was classified as an official epidemic by the Department of Health. While the current outbreak is far short of being classified as an epidemic, it has the potential to reach such proportions. 

The Birmingham Research Unit of the Royal College of General Practitioners reports that in the 51st week of this year, there was a huge increase in the number of documented flu (or flu-related) cases, soaring to 80 infected per 100,000 in the age group of 15 to 44, and to 76 per 100,000 among 45 to 64. The 65+ category, however, is much lower, with statistics of 45 per 100,000 people infected. The young and middle-aged adults therefore take the brunt of the blow. The Guardian attributes this to the idea that these age groups are frequently the most socially active: teenagers and young adults typically go out (either to work or other public places) much more frequently than the over-65s, and often do not stay home when they fall ill. 

The older age group also tends to be less affected because health services are now offering flu-jabs to people over the age of 65. It is additionally due to the fact that people at this age are typically less mobile and socially active, so they are less likely to spend time around lots of individuals who have the disease. 

If you are already afflicted by the flu, what can you do to counteract the symptoms? Staying inside, drinking plenty of liquids and getting enough rest is what is recommended by both health specialists. Taking paracetamol is also highly recommended. Also avoid storing used tissues under your pillow or in your pockets " throw them away immediately, and wash your hands frequently, so that the bacteria do not linger or spread.

If you have not yet been affected by the recent outbreak, there are also various things you can do to avoid getting it. To prevent catching the flu, GPs and Osteopaths recommend taking simple measures such as blocking your nose with a tissue every time you sneeze, washing your hands before you eat, and making sure you are getting plenty of vitamins to build up your immune system. 

Being ill is always unpleasant, but the recent influenza outbreak puts a threatening spin on what seems like a common disease. But as long as you take care of yourself this winter, and take the right precautions, the flu-scare does not have to frighten you.

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The content of this page is informed by feedback from clinics in London and also a practitioner in Leeds. Further input was received from osteopaths in the Sheffield area and osteopathic practitioners in Fulham. Finally a contribution was made by practices in Derby