Cold & flu season

Don't get the flu. Protect yourself and your family by regularly cleaning your hands. 

Flu season regularly recurs during the cold part of the year in each hemisphere characterised by outbreaks of influenza (flu.)

In the UK alone 15 million people each year suffer from colds and flu, according the the NHS. The NHS state colds and flu are caused by viruses. There are more than 200 common cold viruses, and three types of flu virus with many different strains, so they're hard to avoid. These viruses can be spread through droplets that are coughed and sneezed out by an infected person. The viruses can also be transferred on a person's fingers.

If you have flu, don't pass it on. The NHS advice is 

1 CATCH IT: Germs spread easily. Always carry tissues and use them to catch your cough or sneeze.
2 BIN IT: Germs can live for several hours on tissues. Dispose of your tissue as soon as possible.
3 KILL IT: Hands can transfer germs to every surface you touch. Clean your hands as soon as you can.

 

UK

Get advice on cold & flu from the NHS website.

How to deal with colds & flu.

If you think you may have flu, check your symptoms online at the NHS direct website.