FLU SEASON 2024
Flu season is just around the corner and your best defence against the flu is to get an annual flu vaccine. Having the flu vaccine doesn't guarantee you won't catch the flu, it will give you more protection and mean you are less likely to experience complications from a flu infection. Protection against the flu reduces over time.
Below is our schedule of booked appointments for April, we are also offering walk-in appointments at each of our clinics (please note there may be a wait time for walk-in appointments and wait times may vary).
Monday to Friday clinics are from 9am to 4:30pm
Saturday clinics are from 9am to 1pm
Join the
Flu Fighters
RECOGNISING THE SYMPTOMS OF FLU:
Some of the common symptoms of flu are:
-Headache
-Sore throat
-Body aches and discomfort
-Cough
-Fevers (hot and cold chills)
-Abdominal pain
-Vomiting (in some patients)
-Diarrhoea (in some patients)
TREATMENT FOR INFLUENZA VIRUS:
You can expect the virus to last 7-10 days. PLEASE STAY HOME until symptoms resolve.
Treatment for Adults:
-Increase clear fluid intake (recommend 2 litres adult per day)
-Rest and sleep
-Keep yourself cool if you have a fever or are shivering, do not cover up in lots or clothing or blankets
-Paracetamol every four hours (must be taken at regular intervals to be effective)
-Ibuprofen every six hours with food (must be taken at regular intervals to be effective)
-Hot lemon and honey drinks
-Strepsil directed throat spray or similar (this has a nozzle you can direct down the throat to the affected area)
-Vitamin C supplement
-If you require a prescription for Paracetamol or Ibuprofen please phone the surgery and make a request.
Treatment for Children:
-Please treat as above.
-Increase water intake (or milk if bottle/breast fed)
-Iceblocks, icecream, jelly can be used to increase fluid intake
-Regular Paracetamol and Ibuprofen (try and have a spoonful or banana or yoghurt before giving Ibuprofen)
-Keep your child cool if they have a fever, even if they are cold and want blankets, withhold blanketing when feverish.
-Bathe in water that is tepid (just a little warm but not hot)
-Sponge down with a damp cloth, especially around the head and neck.
EMERGENCY
-If you become increasingly short of breath with difficulty breathing, phone 111.
-If your cough starts producing a lot of yellow or green phlegm contact The Doctors for further advice.
-If your child becomes floppy or non-responsive, call 111
-If your child stops eating and drinking and nappies or toileting is considerably reduced, phone The Doctors.
-If Paracetamol or Ibuprofen is not reducing your child’s fever (fever is anything over 38 degrees), please phone The Doctors.
We are open from 8.00am-8.00pm, 7 days a week if you require further information or treatment.