11/12/2013
PHA Advises Against Winter Flu
The Public Health Agency (PHA) is reminding the public take care to avoid catching the winter flu over the Christmas period.
It said hand hygiene was one of the most important factors in avoiding colds and flus this winter.
PHA said anti-bacterial gels and wipes are not a substitute for washing hands with soap and water.
Anyone who comes into a high risk group for flu is advised to get vaccinated every year.
Dr Lourda Geoghegan of the Public Health Agency said: "The second thing that we would highlight is antibiotics will not usually work in the case of flu.
"They don't work for viruses. Antibiotics are a very good resource but we need to use them wisely."
If you do catch the flu, "Make sure you drink plenty of fluids, take lots of rest. They could use over the counter medication, such as Paracetamol or Nurofen, to help them with their symptoms."
(IT/CD)
It said hand hygiene was one of the most important factors in avoiding colds and flus this winter.
PHA said anti-bacterial gels and wipes are not a substitute for washing hands with soap and water.
Anyone who comes into a high risk group for flu is advised to get vaccinated every year.
Dr Lourda Geoghegan of the Public Health Agency said: "The second thing that we would highlight is antibiotics will not usually work in the case of flu.
"They don't work for viruses. Antibiotics are a very good resource but we need to use them wisely."
If you do catch the flu, "Make sure you drink plenty of fluids, take lots of rest. They could use over the counter medication, such as Paracetamol or Nurofen, to help them with their symptoms."
(IT/CD)
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