Where to get treatment

If you have flu it is best to stay at home until well, however, if individuals in at risk groups develop symptoms consistent with flu or if anyone whose symptoms persist or become more severe then we advise they seek medical advice.

In young children under five and particularly infants under one, it is very difficult to distinguish influenza and its complications from other respiratory viral infections and other treatable diseases. Infants should always be reviewed by a health care professional (usually a GP).

Self Care: If you are otherwise fit and healthy, you can manage your symptoms of seasonal flu at home (see below). You will usually get better without treatment. Make sure you have plenty of rest and are taking paracetamol-based cold remedies to lower your temperature and relieve symptoms.

NHS Direct: If you are suffering from flu you can get advice from NHS Direct on 0845 4647 or www.nhs.uk

If symptoms persist or you are in a high risk group

 Visit your GP. Most GPs are now open from 8am-6:30pm. Some are open longer in the evening and at weekends. Even when your practice is closed, phone the usual number and you will either be given or transferred to the Out of Hours Service. If you cannot access the service via your GP, call 0845 045 0411.

 Visit a walk-in centre. In Leicester City, the nearest walk-in centres are:

Oadby and Wigston Walk-in Medical Centre
18 The Parade, Oadby. Open 8am to 8pm all week.

Urgent Care Centre
Leicester Royal Infirmary (Next to A&E) open 24 hours.

Walk-In Centre
Merlyn Vaz Health and Social Care Centre,
Spinney Hill Road, Leicester. Open 8am to 8pm all week.

Loughborough Walk-In Centre,
Pinfold Gate, Loughborough. Open 24 hours.

Antibiotics are not prescribed for flu as they have no effect on viruses. However, occasionally it may be necessary to treat complications of flu, especially serious chest infections or pneumonia.

Do not visit Accident & Emergency (A&E) unless you have a serious or life-threatening condition.