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Influenza, also known as the flu, is an infection caused by a germ called a virus. It affects your respiratory system, which includes your nose, throat, windpipe, and lungs. The flu causes cold symptoms, as well as a high fever and body aches.

The flu is contagious, which means it spreads easily from person to person. You are more likely to get it during flu season, which goes from December to March. You can get the flu by:

1. Breathing in droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
2. Touching something that has the germs on it and then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes.

How can the flu affect me?

Having the flu can lead to other infections. These may include:

1. A lung infection, like pneumonia.
2. An ear infection.
3. A sinus infection.

If you get the flu, you may infect the people around you. The flu can be very serious for:

1. Babies.
2. People 65 years old and older.
3. People with long-term illnesses.

What can increase my risk?

You may be more likely to get the flu if:

1. You don't wash your hands often.
2. You have close contact with a lot of people during flu season.
3. You touch your mouth, eyes, or nose without first washing your hands.
4. You don't get the vaccine for the flu each year. This vaccine is also called the flu jab.

You may be at risk for more serious flu symptoms if:

1. You have a long-term illness.
2. You are very overweight.
3. Your body's defence, or immune system, is weak.
4. You are pregnant.

What actions can I take to prevent the flu?

Keep your body's immune system strong. To do this:

1. Eat a healthy diet.
2. Drink enough fluids to keep your pee (urine) pale yellow.
3. Get enough sleep.
4. Get enough exercise.

Do not use any products that contain nicotine or tobacco. These products include cigarettes, chewing tobacco and vaping devices, such as e-cigarettes. If you need help quitting, ask your healthcare provider.

Get a flu jab each year. It is the best way to prevent the flu. Remind your parents to take you to your healthcare provider, a local clinic, or a chemist for the flu jab.

1. Try to get the jab as soon as you can in the fall. But getting a flu jab in the winter or spring instead is still a good idea. Flu season can last into early spring.
2. You need to get a new flu jab each year. This is because the germs that cause the flu can change slightly from year to year.
3. If you get the flu after you get the jab, the jab can make your illness shorter and milder. It can also stop you from getting other serious infections caused by the flu.
4. If you are pregnant, you can and should get a flu jab.
5. Check with your healthcare provider before getting a flu jab if you have had a reaction to the jab in the past.
6. You may be able to get the vaccine as a nasal spray instead. But the nasal spray may not work as well as the jab. Check with your healthcare provider if you have questions about this.

Most young people who have the flu get better by resting at home and drinking lots of fluids. You or your parents may ask your healthcare provider if you should take any cold medicines.

There is also a medicine called an antiviral that may lessen your symptoms and make the flu go away faster.

1. People with more serious flu symptoms may need this medicine. Ask your healthcare provider if you need it.
2. The medicine must be started within a few days of getting symptoms.

Practice good health habits. Good habits are key during flu season.

1. Avoid contact with people who are sick with flu or cold symptoms.
2. Wash your hands with soap and water often and for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitiser.
3. Try not to touch your face, especially if you have not washed your hands.
4. Clean surfaces that may have germs on them. Use a cleanser called a disinfectant that kills germs.

If you get the flu:

1. Stay home until your symptoms, such as your fever, have been gone for at least 24 hours.
2. Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze.
3. Avoid close contact with others.

Contact a healthcare provider if:

1. You have the flu, and you get new symptoms.
2. You have watery poo, or diarrhoea.
3. You have a fever.
4. Your cough gets worse.
5. You make more mucus.

Get help right away if:

1. You have trouble breathing.
2. You have chest pain.

These symptoms may be an emergency. Get help right away. Call your local emergency services.

1. Do not wait to see if the symptoms will go away.
2. Do not drive yourself to the hospital.

This information is not intended to replace advice given to you by your health care provider. Make sure you discuss any questions you have with your health care provider.