Flu (Influenza)
Flu can be very serious. It is caused by a virus, which is spread by coughs and sneezes. Symptoms of flu can be mild but can also lead to more serious illnesses such as bronchitis and pneumonia (lung infections), which may need treatment in hospital.
Flu is very infectious, and symptoms can come on very quickly. Symptoms of flu include a high temperature, tiredness and weakness, headache, aches and pains and a cough.
There are outbreaks of flu most winters, especially in hospitals and care homes. In a normal winter, thousands of people will die from flu-related illnesses in the UK. Having a flu vaccine every year is one of the best ways to protect against flu.
When people get flu, they tend to become ill quite quickly. Symptoms can include fever, chills, a headache and aching muscles, often with a cough and sore throat.
Learn more
If you would like to learn more about the vaccine, or the diseases they protect against, a number of information resources are available to help.
If you have any further questions or want more information, you can visit the NHS 111 Wales website (external site) , talk to your doctor or nurse or call NHS 111 Wales.
Further information
Data
The latest data on the Flu in Wales.
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Hospital admissions in acute respiratory infection (ARI) cases
This dashboard shows trends in hospital admissions for acute respiratory infections (ARI) in Wales, including…