The NHS has issued guidance on managing flu symptoms, outlining four key steps to facilitate a "quicker recovery". Influenza, more commonly known as flu, is an extremely infectious viral infection targeting the respiratory system, including the nose, throat and lungs.

Symptoms include an abrupt fever, muscle pain, headaches, a relentless dry cough and severe exhaustion, marking it as significantly more severe than a typical cold. Recent figures published by NHS England reveal that during the opening week of January, an average of 2,924 hospital beds across England were occupied by flu patients. This represents a nine per cent rise from the previous week.

In a recent statement, NHS England cautioned that festive gatherings over Christmas and New Year may have triggered a "bounce back" in winter illnesses. NHS national medical director Professor Meghana Pandit said: "It's clear that the worst is far from over for the NHS this winter, with hospitals again experiencing a rise in patients admitted with flu and other respiratory virus cases last week.

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"The cold weather also means we are also seeing more vulnerable patients with respiratory problems in A&E and more injuries from slips and falls due to the icy conditions, so it remains an extremely busy time.

"Staff continue to work incredibly hard and we are seeing teams across the country pulling out all the stops to ensure patients get the care they need. It remains important that people come forward for care as usual and there are still plenty of opportunities to get vaccinated and get protected against flu."

According to the NHS, flu symptoms develop very rapidly and may include:

• A sudden high temperature


• An aching body


• Feeling tired or exhausted


• A dry cough


• A sore throat


• A headache


• Difficulty sleeping


• Loss of appetite


• Diarrhoea or tummy pain


• Feeling sick and being sick

Children experience similar symptoms, though they may also suffer from earache and seem less energetic.

The NHS advised: "If you have flu, there are some things you can do to help get better more quickly."

Its four principal recommendations were:

• Rest and sleep


• Keep warm


• Take paracetamol or ibuprofen to lower your temperature and treat aches and pains


• Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration (your urine should be light yellow or clear)

You may also speak with a pharmacist regarding the most suitable treatments available.

However, you should call 111 or book an urgent GP appointment if you or your child have symptoms of flu and:

• You're worried about your baby's or child's symptoms


• You're 65 or over


• You're pregnant


• You have a long-term medical condition – for example, diabetes or a condition that affects your heart, lungs, kidneys, brain or nerves


• You have a weakened immune system – for example, because of chemotherapy or HIV


• Your symptoms do not improve after seven days

The NHS says you should call 999 or go to A&E if you:

• Get sudden chest pain


• Have difficulty breathing


• Start coughing up a lot of blood

It added: “Do not drive to A&E. Ask someone to drive you or call 999 and ask for an ambulance.”