What to do if you have the flu

Advice and Information - 11 December 2025

As flu cases rise it’s important to know how to take care of yourself and when to seek medical attention.
A photo of a woman sat upright in bed blowing her nose. She is holding a cup of tea and there are medicines on her bedside table.

Treating yourself

If you have the flu, there are some things you can do to help support your recovery.

Look after yourself 

  • Keep warm
  • Rest and sleep
  • Drink plenty of water
  • Take paracetamol and ibuprofen to lower your temperature and reduce aches and pains

Reduce the spread

Flu is very infectious and easily spread to other people. You're more likely to give it to others in the first 5 days.

Flu is spread by germs from coughs and sneezes, which can live on hands and surfaces for 24 hours.

To reduce the risk of spreading flu: 

  • wash your hands often with warm water and soap
  • cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze (if you do not have a tissue, cough or sneeze into the bend of your elbow, not into your hand)
  • bin used tissues as quickly as possible

Try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people to limit the spread.

Ask for help 

A pharmacist can give treatment advice and recommend flu remedies. 

If you’re worried about your symptoms, or you’re not getting better, call 111 or get help from 111 online.  

Call 999 or go to A&E if you: 

  • get sudden chest pain

  • have difficulty breathing

  • start coughing up a lot of blood

Get protected 

The flu vaccine is the strongest and best protection against flu.

Dr Thomas Waite, deputy chief medical officer, said: “Flu can be an unpleasant infection for many and life-threatening for some; vaccination is the best form of defence.

“Early data from the UKHSA shows this year’s vaccine is continuing to provide good protection against flu variants circulating this year. The flu season has started early this year. Now is the time to get vaccinated if you are eligible.” 

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