Flu Season Is Here: How to Stay One Step Ahead

Cold or flu? Know what to look for

A cold and the flu can feel similar at first, but there are some differences.

Flu symptoms typically appear quite suddenly and can include a high temperature, body aches, tiredness or exhaustion, a dry cough, sore throat and headache. A cold is more likely to develop gradually and mainly affect the nose and throat.

It is also important to remember that symptoms vary from person to person. A list of symptoms can help you understand what may be happening, but it cannot provide a diagnosis.

If you're unsure, particularly if symptoms are severe or you're concerned about someone at higher risk, speak to a healthcare professional.

Small habits can make a difference

There is no way to completely eliminate your chances of catching the flu, but a few everyday habits can help reduce the risk of infection and spreading it to others.

Wash your hands regularly, cover coughs and sneezes, avoid close contact with others when you're unwell and clean frequently touched surfaces. Staying home while you're sick can also help prevent the virus spreading to other people.

Annual flu vaccination is another important preventative measure. Public-health guidance recommends seasonal vaccination as one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of flu and its potentially serious complications.

Speak to your doctor or local healthcare provider about whether and when a flu vaccination is appropriate for you or your family.

If the flu reaches your household

When you're feeling unwell, keeping track of health information is probably the last thing you want to think about.

But a few simple details can become useful if symptoms continue or you need to speak to a doctor. Consider keeping track of:

• When symptoms started
• Temperature readings
• Symptoms and how they're changing
• Medications taken
• Relevant existing health conditions
• Recent medical reports or prescriptions

Most cases of flu improve on their own. Rest, sleep and drinking plenty of fluids can help during recovery. Paracetamol or ibuprofen may be used for fever and aches when appropriate, but be careful not to combine paracetamol with cold or flu medicines that already contain it. Antibiotics do not treat influenza because flu is caused by a virus.

Keep your family's health information together

Flu rarely feels like an individual problem when you live with other people. One child gets sick, then another starts coughing, and suddenly you're trying to remember who took what medication, when someone's fever started and where you saved their latest medical report.

This is where having an organised health history can help.

With DocDroid, you can keep health records and important medical information organised in one place, including information for different members of your family.

If you need to visit a doctor, having previous reports, medications and other relevant information easily accessible can also make it simpler to provide context about your health history.

Know when to get medical help

Most people can manage flu at home, but some situations need medical attention.

Seek medical advice if you're concerned about a baby or child, you're pregnant, aged 65 or over, have certain long-term health conditions or a weakened immune system, feel very unwell, experience shortness of breath, or your symptoms aren't improving.

Severe difficulty breathing, sudden chest pain or coughing up blood require urgent medical attention.

A little preparation goes a long way

You can't predict exactly when flu will enter your home, but you can make dealing with it a little easier.

Know the symptoms. Take simple preventative steps. Keep track of important changes when someone becomes unwell. And make sure your family's medical information is organised before you actually need it.

Stay one step ahead this flu season with DocDroid.

Keep your health records, medications and family health information organised and accessible whenever you need them.

Download DocDroid and start building your health history today.

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⚕️ Disclaimer: DocDroid is an AI-powered health assistant designed to help you organise and better understand your health information. It does not provide medical advice, diagnose conditions or replace the expertise of a qualified healthcare professional. Always consult a doctor or other qualified healthcare provider regarding your individual health needs.