Throughout Autumn and Winter, the risk of flu and pneumonia increases and thousands of people end up in hospital across the UK.
Most of us know the misery of a bout of flu – the aching joints, the fever, the feeling that getting out of bed is simply not an option.
Pneumonia is a more serious infection that can follow on from flu or develop on its own, affecting the lungs and in some cases requiring hospital treatment.
The good news is that there is plenty you can do to reduce your risk of both.
McMinns Pharmacy offers tips to keep you and your family protected – and advice on what to do if illness does strike.
Understanding the Difference Between Flu and Pneumonia
Before we look at prevention, it helps to understand what you are dealing with.
Flu (influenza) is a viral infection that spreads easily through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Symptoms come on quickly and typically include a high temperature, body aches, headache, fatigue, a dry cough, and a sore throat. Most healthy adults recover within one to two weeks, though it can feel pretty rough in the meantime.
Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. It can develop as a complication of flu, or arise independently. Symptoms include a persistent cough (sometimes with phlegm), chest pain, difficulty breathing, and a high fever. Pneumonia can be serious, particularly for older adults, young children, and people with underlying health conditions.
How to Reduce Your Risk
Get Vaccinated
Vaccination is by far the most effective way to protect yourself against flu. The NHS offers a free flu jab to those in high-risk groups – including adults over 65, pregnant women, people with long-term health conditions, and children aged 2–10. A pneumococcal vaccine, which protects against the most common bacterial cause of pneumonia, is also available on the NHS for eligible individuals.
If you are not in an eligible group but still want protection, McMinns Pharmacy offers a private flu vaccine for £25. It takes just a few minutes and could save you weeks of illness.
Wash Your Hands Regularly
Both flu and pneumonia can spread via contaminated surfaces. Washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds – particularly after coughing, blowing your nose, or being in public spaces – is one of the simplest and most effective things you can do. When you cannot get to a sink, a hand sanitiser with at least 60% alcohol is a good backup.
Avoid Close Contact With Sick People
This one is not always easy, especially in a family home or busy workplace, but keeping a little distance from anyone who is visibly unwell can significantly reduce your exposure. If you are the one who is ill, do the considerate thing and stay home where possible to avoid spreading the infection.
Look After Your Immune System
A well-nourished, rested body is better equipped to fight off infection. Try to eat a balanced diet rich in fruit, vegetables, and wholegrains, get seven to nine hours of sleep a night, and stay physically active. Excessive alcohol, smoking, and high stress all weaken your immune system, so cutting back where you can is worthwhile. If you are a smoker, stopping is one of the single best things you can do for your respiratory health – speak to our team about our smoking cessation service.
Ventilate Your Home and Workplace
Viruses thrive in warm, stuffy environments. Opening windows regularly to let fresh air circulate, even for short periods, helps reduce the concentration of airborne bugs. This is especially important in winter when we tend to keep everything closed up.
Cover Your Mouth and Nose
Use a tissue when you cough or sneeze, dispose of it immediately, and then wash your hands. If a tissue is not available, cough or sneeze into your elbow – not your hands – to minimise surface contamination.
What to Do If You Catch Flu or Pneumonia
Treating Flu at Home
For most people, flu is best managed at home with rest and plenty of fluids. Paracetamol or ibuprofen can help bring down a fever and ease body aches. Avoid alcohol, which dehydrates you, and avoid antibiotics – flu is caused by a virus, so antibiotics will not help. Antiviral medication such as oseltamivir (Tamiflu) may be prescribed by a GP in some cases, particularly for high-risk individuals, but it needs to be started within 48 hours of symptoms beginning.
Seek medical advice promptly if symptoms are severe, you are struggling to breathe, your chest pain is worsening, or you are in a high-risk group.
Treating Pneumonia
Pneumonia caused by bacteria is treated with antibiotics, which need to be prescribed by a GP or hospital doctor. Viral pneumonia is managed supportively with rest, fluids, and pain relief. In more serious cases, hospital treatment and oxygen therapy may be needed. Do not try to manage suspected pneumonia entirely at home – always get a proper diagnosis.
How McMinns Pharmacy Can Help
At McMinns Pharmacy in Wishaw, we are here to support you throughout flu season and beyond. Our services include:
- Flu vaccination – NHS-eligible patients can access their free flu jab through us, and for those who do not qualify, we offer a private flu vaccine for just £25.
- Over-the-counter advice and remedies – our pharmacists can recommend the right medicines to ease your symptoms, from decongestants and cough medicines to pain relief.
- Prescription collection and delivery – if your GP prescribes antibiotics or other medication for pneumonia, we make collection quick and convenient. We also offer free prescription delivery in Wishaw.
- Smoking cessation support – stopping smoking dramatically reduces your risk of respiratory infections. Our team can help you find the right quit method for you.
If you are unsure whether your symptoms need a GP appointment or can be managed at home, pop in and speak to one of our pharmacists. We are open Monday to Saturday, 9am to 5:30pm, and are always happy to help.
Stay well this winter — McMinns Pharmacy, 19 Main St, Wishaw. Call us on 01698 372917 or book online.