What’s the Flu?
The flu, or influenza, is a common respiratory infection caused by the influenza virus. Here in Ireland, flu season hits hardest during autumn and winter when we’re all cozy indoors—but that also makes it easier for the flu to spread. It’s passed from person to person through droplets when someone infected coughs, sneezes, or even just chats.
Common Symptoms
The flu often strikes suddenly, and you might feel like you’ve been hit by a bus! Symptoms can include:
- Fever and chills
- Sore throat
- Achy muscles and joints (like you’ve run up and down Howth Head!)
- Extreme fatigue
- Headache
- Stuffy nose and dry cough
Symptoms usually last 5-10 days, but tiredness can stick around a bit longer.
Tips to Avoid the Flu This Season
- Get the Flu Jab: Each year, getting the flu vaccine is one of the best ways to protect yourself, especially if you’re over 65, have a health condition, or work in healthcare. The vaccine is widely available in pharmacies and GP surgeries across Ireland, usually in September or October.
- Wash Your Hands Often (Nigh do lámha!): The flu virus can live on surfaces like bus seats, door handles, or shopping baskets. Wash your hands regularly, especially before touching your face, to reduce your risk of infection.
- Mind the Distance (Fan amach ó dhaoine tinn!): During flu season, try to keep a bit of distance if someone’s showing symptoms. This is especially important on the DART, Luas, or anywhere crowded.
- Keep Rooms Well Ventilated: Even though it’s chilly, open windows for a few minutes each day to keep fresh air flowing. Fresh air can help reduce virus particles indoors.
Home Remedies and Self-Care Tips
- Rest Up: Fighting the flu takes energy. Avoid heavy activities, put your feet up, and let your body recover.
- Stay Hydrated: Fever can dehydrate you, so drink plenty of water, or try hot drinks like herbal teas and even the classic Irish hot whiskey (lemon, honey, a dash of whiskey, and hot water) to soothe your throat.
- Natural Remedies:
- Honey and Lemon in Warm Water: Helps with sore throats and coughs.
- Inhaling Steam: Boil some water, pour it into a bowl, and cover your head with a towel to inhale the steam. Adding a drop of eucalyptus oil can help clear nasal congestion.
- Eat Hearty, Healthy Foods: Soups and broths are comforting and nourishing. A good Irish vegetable soup or a bowl of coddle can keep you warm and boost your immune system.
When to See a Doctor
Most people recover from the flu at home, but if you’re struggling to breathe, have severe chest pain, or a very high fever that won’t go down, it’s a good idea to ring your GP. Flu can be serious for older people, young children, and anyone with underlying health conditions.
Stay warm, take care, and mind yourselves this winter—let’s keep the flu at bay!