We're only in the first week of winter and I am getting over the flu - this is day 7! This morning my daughter started to sniffle and cough which probably means another 2 days of work next week to look after her.
So what's the difference between a cold and a flu? How do you know whether you do have the flu?
Colds tend to produce runny nose, congestion and a sore throat. Influenza is an infection that causes fever, chills, cough, body aches, headaches, and sometimes earaches or sinus problems.
The flu virus gets around in little drops that spray out of an infected person's mouth and nose when he or she sneezes, coughs, or even laughs. You can catch the flu from someone who has it if you breathe in some of those tiny flu-infected drops.
You can also catch the flu if those drops get on your hands and you touch your mouth or nose. No wonder people are always saying to cough or sneeze into your elbow. And while you're at it, wash your hands!
There are ways we can try to avoid the flu, and of course the flu vaccine is definitely one of them. Speak to your doctor today about whether the flu vaccination is suitable for you and your children.
