Influenza

We are committed to keeping our patients safe and preventing infections is a priority.

Influenza or 'flu' is a respiratory illness associated with infection by influenza virus. Symptoms frequently include headache, fever, cough, sore throat, aching muscles and joints.

• Influenza occurs most often in winter and usually peaks between December and March.
• The influenza virus is unstable and new strains and variants are constantly emerging, which is one of the reasons why the flu vaccine should be given each year. 
• For most people influenza infection is very unpleasant , but for some it can lead to more serious illnesses. 
• The most common complications of influenza are bronchitis and secondary bacterial pneumonia. These illnesses may require treatment in hospital and can be life threatening especially in the elderly, asthmatics and those in poor health.

Features of influenza include;  

• Fever, dry cough and abrupt onset.
• Headache, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, aching muscles and joints and extreme tiredness.
• Adults can be infectious from a day before symptoms begin through to about 5 days after onset. Children can be infectious for up to 7 days; young children can shed virus for several days before becoming ill.

If you think you may have influenza, please do not visit the hospital. Please help us to keep our patients safe.

If you have an appointment, please contact the department for further advice.

Further advice about influenza can be obtained from Public Health England.