Influenza outbreak: what to know

An outbreak may involve a workplace, school, care home or wider community. Influenza spreads mainly through respiratory particles and close contact. People may develop fever, cough, chills, headache, fatigue and a general feeling of being unwell. Symptoms can begin quickly and may be more intense than those of a typical cold.

An outbreak notice does not mean every fever is influenza. Other infections can look similar, and pneumonia can occur as a complication. A clinician uses the pattern of symptoms, examination and sometimes testing to guide decisions.

Stay home when you feel unwell, improve ventilation, wash hands, cover coughs and dispose of tissues promptly. Avoid close contact with people at higher risk while symptomatic. Follow local health advice about vaccination, testing or returning to work and school. If you must attend an appointment, tell the service about respiratory symptoms first.

Get medical advice when symptoms are severe, worsening, or not settling, especially if you are pregnant, older, immunocompromised or living with a long-term condition. Seek urgent help for difficulty breathing, chest pain, confusion, fainting, severe dehydration, or a fever that improves and then returns with worsening cough.

Ask whether your symptoms need testing, when you can safely return to normal activities, and whether treatment or vaccination is appropriate for you. Explain when symptoms began and any medical conditions or medicines.