Dr Charlotte: Unfortunately there isn’t really a cure for flu. Though it is not pleasant having symptoms like fever, cough and sore throat, people usually get better by themselves within a week. As flu is caused by a virus, antibiotics won’t help unless there is a complication such as pneumonia. The best thing to do is to rest, drink plenty of fluids so that you don’t get dehydrated and you can take paracetamol if you have a fever or aches and pains. Avoid aspirin if you are under 16. To reduce the chance of spreading flu to other people, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you sneeze, throw dirty tissues away and wash your hands often. Staying at home from school when you’re unwell will also help to prevent other people from getting ill.
For more information see the Health Protection Agency ‘Influenza factsheet for schools’
http://www.hpa.org.uk/Topics/InfectiousDiseases/InfectionsAZ/SeasonalInfluenza/InformationForThePublic/influinfluenzafactsheet/
