Senior GP issues advice on when to get medical help as flu season grips Scotland

A leading doctor has issued advice on when people with the flu should seek medical help.

Dr Iain Morrison, chairman of the BMA’s Scottish general practice committee, said the flu arrived earlier this year due to a new strain and it is causing more cases of “significant illness” than in previous years.

The Midlothian GP encouraged those eligible to get the vaccine, which he said has been shown to reduce the chances of serious illness and hospital admissions.

“The flu is miserable for many people who have it,” he told the Press Association.

“It’s days in bed, it’s lots of really strong body aches, fever, you can have diarrhoea and vomiting with it, you can feel a bit tight-chested.

“It really is unpleasant, so it’s great to do what you can to reduce your chance of contracting it.”

The doctor said health professionals had also seen an increase in private vaccination, particularly among the self-employed who often do not have sick pay in the same way other workers do.

He said the advice for most people with flu is lots of rest, regular paracetamol use – or ibuprofen for those with strong muscle aches – as well as plenty of fluids, especially for those with vomiting or diarrhoea.

Dr Morrison said face masks reduce the risk of getting the flu only by a small amount, but they can greatly reduce the chances of people with the virus passing it on.

He strongly recommended those with symptoms who have to attend public spaces, especially health centres, to consider wearing a mask.

“Face masks reduce your chance a little of contracting the virus, but they significantly reduce the chance of you transmitting the virus,” he said.

“So it’s very helpful to those around you to wear one if you have active symptoms.”

The GP said those with the flu should think about getting medical attention if they feel tight-chested to the point they are finding basic tasks such as climbing stairs difficult, or are struggling to form sentences.

He said: “That is a sign that you’re really struggling with your oxygen levels and if that’s not usual for yourself, then you need to get attention.

“The other issues are that if you’re having significant chest pains then please do get checked.

“Now, it’s normal that you do have a bit of muscle ache, and that can involve the whole body, but if it’s severe and unremitting, then you need to get checked out.

“It’s the same with vomiting and diarrhoea. It’s very common, and most will settle within a sort of 24 to 40-hour period, but if it’s so bad that you’re struggling to form any urine, then that is when you need to get yourself checked.”

Dr Morrison thanked the public for their patience at a time he said the NHS is under increasing pressure due to winter illness.

He added: “Please use services sensibly and when you are asked to wait that bit extra, please be patient with the staff, because they’re all trying their hardest to get through as many people as they can.

“Please be aware that at this time lots of the health service are suffering from staff shortages due to illness, which can lead to more waits and more difficulties with access.

“We’re all in this together and only by working together we’ll get through it.”