FLU is a nasty virus that can leave patients poorly for a week, suffering from a sore throat, fever, and chesty cough.
The latest strain which the World Health Organisation is warning us against is the Brisbane flu – but what is it?
What is Brisbane flu?
Brisbane flu is a strain of the influenza virus, and is one of the most dangerous in the world according to the World Health Organisation.
It got its name after a horrific flu season last year in Australia, which killed 1,100 people.
The strain is a B strain, unlike the Aussie flu (H3N2) that spread in 2017.
Is there a vaccine for the influenza?
The World Health Organisation has included the virus in its latest 2017/2018 flu vaccine.
Along with the Brisbane strain, the Michigan A strain, Singapore A strain and Phuket B strain will also be covered in vaccinations.
Vaccines are evaluated every six months, due to the ever evolving nature of influenza.
You can get the flu jab at your local GP or local pharmacy, or your midwifery service if you are a pregnant woman.
What are the symptoms?
According to the NHS, the symptoms of influenza are:
- a sudden fever – a temperature of 38C or above
- aching body
- feeling tired or exhausted
- dry, chesty cough
- sore throat
- headache
- difficulty sleeping
- loss of appetite
- diarrhoea or tummy pain
- nausea and being sick
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In order to reduce your chances of catching the flu, wash your hands regularly, especially after being outside.
To prevent the spread, make sure you use tissues when you cough or sneeze, and bin them as quickly as possible.
Germs can live on hands and surfaces for 24 hours, so it’s important to keep your house and hands clean.