Frequently asked questions about flu

Flu is not just a bad cold; it is caused by a different group of viruses than colds. The symptoms usually start more quickly, can be more serious and last a week or more,¹

Anyone can get flu, whether they feel healthy or not.² It can be hard to tell who has flu; about 1 in 3 infected people will not show any symptoms but can still spread it.³

More information about protection from flu

You can start to feel symptoms of flu suddenly and could spend a week or more with fever, a headache, body aches and pains, chills, upset stomach, weakness and tiredness.¹ You may feel tired for weeks after catching flu.¹

The flu virus is contained in millions of tiny droplets that come out of the mouth and nose when someone who is infected coughs or sneezes.¹ These droplets can be suspended in the air. You may develop flu if you breathe them in.^1,4 Droplets may land on surfaces where the virus can exist for up to 24 hours.¹ You may develop flu if you touch these surfaces and then touch your nose and mouth.¹

More information about the symptoms of flu

You can catch flu throughout the year, but it is especially common during winter (October to February). This is why it is also known as "seasonal flu".¹

More information about the symptoms of flu

Good hygiene practices. These include: washing your hands and cleaning surfaces regularly, avoiding close contact with people who have flu-like symptoms, covering your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze and putting used tissues in a bin as soon as possible.¹ Under the National Immunisation Programme, certain groups of people are eligible for a free flu vaccination, you can find out more about eligible groups on this site. Getting a flu vaccination can also help stop you getting and spreading flu.¹

More information about the symptoms of flu

The flu vaccine is developed each year to help protect eligible vulnerable groups against the flu virus strains that are predicted to spread that year.⁵ It may take 10–14 days for the flu vaccine to work.⁶ If you experience flu symptoms after your vaccination, it might be that you have been exposed to the flu virus before the vaccine has had a chance to start working.⁷ You can find out more about who is eligible for flu vaccination under the National Immunisation Programme on this site.

More information about the symptoms of flu

Flu vaccination can help protect you and others against getting and spreading flu.⁶ It can also help reduce the risk of the more serious effects of flu if eligible.⁶ Getting your flu vaccination can also help protect others, as flu can have more serious effects for children, the elderly, pregnant people and people with certain health conditions.^1,6

More information about the symptoms of flu

The flu vaccination cannot give you flu.⁷ Some people may experience side effects, such as soreness around the injection site.⁶ It may take 10–14 days for the flu vaccine to work.⁶ If you experience flu symptoms after your vaccination, it might be that you have been exposed to the flu virus before the vaccine has had a chance to start working.⁷

More information about the symptoms of flu

Getting a flu vaccination is simpler than you might think. Talk to your GP, nurse or pharmacist to see if you might be eligible for a free flu vaccination under the National Immunisation Programme. You can have a free NHS flu vaccination at your GP surgery, a pharmacy offering the service or some midwifery services if you are pregnant.⁶ The best time to have a flu vaccination is usually in the autumn, but this can vary each year. Your GP surgery, local pharmacy or the NHS website will tell you when is the best time to receive the flu vaccine each year.⁶ If you miss this time period, you can still have a vaccination later in the year to offer protection for the remainder of the flu season.⁶

More information about eligibility for a free flu vaccination