How to deal with the flu over Christmas

With Christmas gatherings approaching, health chiefs on the Isle of Man have urged people to take precautions and know what to do if they fall ill over the festive period.

Public Health Isle of Man says flu-like illnesses have increased based on GP consultations and is encouraging residents to get vaccinated.

Visitors to healthcare settings have also been asked to wear face coverings to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses.

So how can the public best avoid the spread of viruses over Christmas? And what should they do if they feel like they've been hit by the flu? A leading Manx health official shares his advice.

If someone in your household has developed flu-like symptoms, most cases can be managed at home with rest and simple remedies.

To ease discomfort, alternating common pain relief medicines can help.

"You can alternative paracetamol and ibuprofen as per the packing, which will reduce both fever and muscle ache," explains Professor Ross Keat, a consultant for Public Health Isle of Man.

He also advised that people should remain at home until they are fully recovered and no longer reliant on medication to control symptoms.

Children may remain infectious slightly longer than adults, so extra caution is needed.

"Most people are most infectious on days three to five of being unwell," he explains.

"Children can stay infectious for maybe a day or so longer."

If symptoms worsen, breathing becomes difficult or somebody is in a high-risk group, they should seek medical advice.

To help reduce the risk of passing flu and other respiratory infections to others, Prof Keat stresses the need for "good respiratory etiquette", such as sneezing into a tissue and binning it or sneezing into the crook of the arm if a tissue is unavailable.

"Avoiding close contact with individuals who are unwell and staying at home if you feel unwell – that's going to help reduce the spread of flu and other respiratory infections," he advised.

Health chiefs have confirmed that essential services will remain available throughout the festive period, but opening hours for some facilities may change.

The emergency department at Noble's Hospital will operate as normal over Christmas and New Year, and the island's out-of-hours GP service will continue to provide support when practices are closed.

While GP surgeries will close on key dates, the Manx Emergency Doctor Service will operate as normal during the closure period.

For a full list of opening times for community services, residents are advised to visit the government's signposting page.

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