All about flu and how to stop getting it: adult version
Updated 22 September 2023
© Crown copyright 2023
This publication is licensed under the terms of the Open Government Licence v3.0 except where otherwise stated. To view this licence, visit nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3 or write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gov.uk.
Where we have identified any third party copyright information you will need to obtain permission from the copyright holders concerned.
This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/easy-read-childhood-nasal-flu-leaflet/all-about-flu-and-how-to-stop-getting-it-adult-version
About flu
Anyone can catch flu.
Flu is caused by a bug called a virus.
Flu can make you feel ill.
If you are very ill you might even need to go to hospital.
Signs of flu
Signs of flu include:
- blocked up nose
- painful ear
- sore throat
- high temperature
- difficulty breathing
- dry cough
- tiredness
- aches
Flu vaccine
The flu jab is an injection in your arm.
Having a flu jab can help stop you catching flu and passing it on to other people.
The best time to have a jab is in the autumn.
You need a jab every year as flu can change each year.
Who should have a flu jab?
People who are more likely to get very ill from flu should have a flu jab.
This includes those:
- 65 years and older
- pregnant
- with a health condition like heart disease, diabetes or asthma
Ask your GP practice or pharmacy if you think you might need a flu jab.
Will the jab make you feel ill?
After a flu jab you may:
- feel a bit hot
- have a sore arm
- ache a bit
But do not worry, if you do feel ill, it will go away in a few days.
What do you need to do to get a flu jab?
Your doctor should get in touch with you to come in for a jab.
You can also ask your pharmacy for a jab.
If they don’t get in touch, you should contact them to arrange to have one.
Further information
If you have any questions or want more information, talk to your nurse, doctor or the person in the chemists called the pharmacist.
You can also find information on NHS.UK.