When is GP consultation recommended for influenza?

Influenza can cause fever, chills, cough, sore throat, muscle aches, headache and marked tiredness. A GP can assess whether the illness fits flu, check your breathing and hydration, and consider whether another infection or a complication needs attention.

Contact a GP sooner if you are pregnant, older, immunocompromised, or living with a long-term condition affecting the lungs, heart, kidneys or nervous system. Children and adults who seem unusually drowsy or unable to drink also need medical advice.

Rest, drink fluids regularly, and use suitable fever or pain relief according to the label and your personal medical advice. Stay home while you feel unwell and reduce close contact with people who may become seriously ill.

Tell the practice when symptoms began, your highest temperature if known, your medicines, and any long-term conditions. Do not start antibiotics unless a clinician prescribes them, because they do not treat influenza itself.

Seek urgent medical help for difficulty breathing, chest pain, blue or grey lips, confusion, fainting, severe dehydration, coughing blood, or a rapid deterioration. Urgent assessment is also needed if a child is struggling to breathe, is difficult to wake, or has very little urine.

Ask whether your symptoms need testing, whether any prescribed treatment is appropriate, and how to monitor your breathing and fluid intake. Check when you should call back if fever, cough or weakness becomes worse.