Flu in the frail elderly person can be serious and occasionally lead to death. For this reason a vaccination programme has been made available by the NHS in the UK for all persons over the age of 65.

Prevention is better than cure, and flu - as well as any possible complications it causes - can largely be prevented by vaccination. Vaccines are available every year from October, before the virus usually appears.

Unlike some vaccines that last for years or for life, you must get a flu jab every year to stay protected. The flu vaccine prevents the illness for about three quarters of people who are vaccinated. If you do catch flu, you'll have a milder illness with fewer complications than if you had not been vaccinated.

Ask at your GP's practice about the flu jab.

The flu is not a common cold. Often people will say that they have the flu when in fact they may just have a cold. The symptoms of flu are much more severe and can lead to pneumonia and possible death.

What are the symptoms of flu?

High temperature, fever (103ºF or 39.4ºC), cough, sore throat, headache and general aches and pains in the back and muscles, and a general feeling of being very unwell. A person is usually 'knocked flat' by flu and unable to do anything but go to bed until the worst of the illness has passed.

It can also lead to pneumonia, which can be fatal.

If you're over 65 then the threat of flu must be taken seriously as the immune system in this age group declines as a person grows older.

Older people who are frail and possibly not in the best of health are more prone to complications.

The flu virus comes in many different forms, meaning that a person can contract flu more than once, but of a different strain.

The flu is caught through droplets that are airborne or living on surfaces after a person has coughed or sneezed. then by breathing or touching these droplets the flu virus can then be contracted.

To help prevent or minimise the chances of getting the flu from this contact wash the hands and do not share contaminated items.

The flu is usually infectious for about a week.

People at risk include

People aged 65 and over;

People with respiratory disease such as bronchitis, asthma and emphysema;

People with heart disease, kidney disease or diabetes;

People whose immune system is weak because of disease or treatment;

Residents of care homes or other long-stay care accommodation.

How to treat flu

Antibiotics are used to treat infections like chest or ear infections often resulting from the flu. The flu itself will not respond to antibiotics as it is a viral infection.

The best possible treatment for flu is to stay in bed - resting as much as possible and helping the body to fight the viral infection. Drink plenty of liquids to help rehydrate the body as the body will be depleted of fluids lost through sweating.

Aspirin, paracetamol or ibuprofen drugs help to relieve headaches, aches and pains and to bring down a high temperature.

If there is a cough, blocked nose or sinuses, decongestant medicines can help. but check with a pharmacist if you are not sure what to take.

If you are hot and feverish, body temperature can be brought down by sponging the skin with tepid water.

I you feel like eating, small light meals would be benefical.

If you are in the 'high risk' groups as mentioned above, let your GP's surgery know as soon as possible if you think you may have flu and are concerned about your condition, especially if your symptoms worsen and you experience chest pain, severe earache, wheezing or breathlessness.

Make sure your family and friends know you are feeling unwell so that they can check up on you and give you any help you may need.

Recovering from the flu

A bout of flu can leave you feeling tired and listless for several weeks. These simple steps may help to speed your recovery.

If you are a smoker try to give up. A person who smokes is more prone to chest infections, making recovery a longer process.

Try to get a good nights sleep, with at least hours.

Limit alcohol intake.

Take light exercise, a daily walk if possible if the weather allows it.

Eat a good balanced diet and drink plenty of fluids. If you have lost your appetite then meal replacement drinks and milky drinks can provide a nutritious alternative.
See our article on

Ways to keep healthy in winter

A healthy diet as given in our article on Nutrition in the Elderly will help give you energy, and protect you against illness during the winter months.

Regular exercise also helps to keep your immune system in good shape. Do the exercises as described in our article on Arm Chair Exercises which will help you to keep fit .

Your home should be kept warm during cold weather - a cold home can bring about Hyperthermia which is a very serious condition, See our article on.Keeping Warm in Winter