Influenza
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Influenza key facts
Influenza is caused by the influenza virus and affects thousands of people in the UK every year leading to severe illness or even death. Here, we will take a closer look at what influenza is, how it spreads, its diagnosis, treatments, and how to prevent it.
Introduction to Influenza
Influenza is a highly infectious disease caused by the influenza virus that affects people of all ages around the world. Most people recover from flu, but it may lead to more severe illnesses, hospitalization, or even death. This is more common in the elderly, young children, and those with other underlying health conditions, such as asthma or diabetes.
What types of influenza virus are there?
The influenza virus is categorised into 4 types, A, B, C, and D. The Influenza A and B virus cause seasonal epidemics and have further subtypes. Wild birds carry Influenza A, hence the name avian or bird flu. Influenza C causes more mild respiratory viral infections. Influenza D affects cattle, but is not known to cause infections in humans.
What are the symptoms of Influenza
Common flu symptoms include:
- Fever
- Upper respiratory tract symptoms such as, coughing, a runny nose, sneezing, sore throat, body aches, and tiredness
- Gastrointestinal symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea
Most people will recover from flu within a couple of weeks, but sometimes it can lead to serious complications such as pneumonia, bronchitis, or even death.
Risk factors for severe Influenza
Certain groups of people are at an increased risk of developing flu complications. This includes certain age groups, such as young children and the elderly. Also, pregnant women, those with a chronic illness, those with a weakened immune system, or those who are overweight with a high body mass index are also at a higher risk for complications.
Diagnosis of Influenza
Diagnosis of the flu, involves clinical evaluation by a healthcare professional, rapid influenza diagnostic tests, antibody or antigen tests, or reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). An early diagnosis will enable treatment and appropriate infection control measures to be taken.
Treating Influenza: Strategies and medications
Treatment includes rest, hydration, painkillers, and antiviral drugs. Antivirals, such as Tamiflu (oseltamivir), will reduce the severity and duration of symptoms when taken early. They are most effective when started within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms.
Preventing Influenza
Seasonal flu vaccines are recommended for those aged 6 months and older, with extra emphasis placed on those from high-risk groups. Immunisation will reduce the chances of getting the flu, as well as minimising how severe the illness will be.
In addition to seasonal influenza vaccines, good hygiene, covering your mouth when coughing or sneezing, and remaining at home when unwell with the flu can all help to prevent its spread.
Influenza vs. COVID-19: Similarities and differences
Both flu and COVID-19 are respiratory diseases that share similarities in symptoms, transmission, and prevention. However, there are differences between them. Understanding the differences will ensure an accurate diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and effective measures during a pandemic.
Flu season: Timing and impact
Flu season normally occurs during the winter, although flu can occur at any time of the year. The timing and severity of these outbreaks may vary. Understanding these patterns of seasonal flu and their impact is crucial for the prevention, vaccination, and interventions to reduce morbidity associated with the flu.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is Influenza?
Influenza, also known as the flu, is a respiratory illness caused by the influenza virus. Symptoms of the flu include fever, sore throats, coughing, a runny or blocked nose, headaches, body aches, and tiredness.
How does Influenza spread?
Influenza is mostly spread through droplets when a person with the flu coughs or sneezes. Droplets are inhaled or land in the mouths or noses of those nearby. The flu may also be spread through touching surfaces or objects that the flu virus is on and then touching your eyes, mouth, or nose.
Who is at higher risk of complications from Influenza?
These include:
- Young children under the age of 5
- The elderly, 65 years of age or older
- Pregnant women
- Those with chronic medical conditions such as asthma or diabetes
- Those with weakened immune systems
Individuals in these high-risk groups are advised to seek medical attention if they develop flu-like symptoms.
How can Influenza be prevented?
Immunisation with the flu vaccine each year is the best way to prevent influenza. Other preventive measures include:
- Good hand hygiene
- Avoiding individuals who are sick with the flu
- Using a tissue when coughing or sneezing
- Avoiding touching your face
- Cleaning and disinfecting surfaces
Is the flu shot effective?
The effectiveness of the flu vaccine will vary each year. It will depend on whether the circulating flu strain matches the strains in the vaccine. The flu vaccine will, however, still provide protection against the flu even if the strains do not match. Also, those who do contract the flu, will have milder symptoms. Be aware, vaccines can cause side effects. Talk to a healthcare professional if you have any concerns about having the flu jab.
Can Influenza be treated with medications?
Antiviral medications can be used to treat the flu to reduce the severity and duration of the symptoms. These treatments are most effective when you begin using them within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms.
What should I do if I have Influenza?
If you have influenza:
- Stay at home to prevent infecting others
- Get plenty of rest
- Drink plenty of fluids
- Take medications to manage your symptoms
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing
- Wash your hands with soap and water or use a sanitizer
Can face masks help prevent Influenza?
Face masks can help prevent influenza and other respiratory viruses from spreading. They stop droplets from being released when someone infected coughs or sneezes.
Is it safe to get the Influenza vaccine during pregnancy?
Yes. It is, in fact recommended, to help pregnant women protect themselves and their babies. The vaccine provides immunity to the mother and baby.
How does Influenza differ from COVID-19?
Influenza has a more rapid onset of symptoms than COVID-19, while COVID-19 has an increased risk of complications, especially in the elderly and those with other health conditions.
The future of Influenza prevention and research
Scientists continuously monitor the flu virus, how it changes, and the effectiveness of vaccines. The development of more effective vaccines, diagnostic techniques, and public health capabilities are all essential to reduce the impact influenza has on global health.
By being informed, keeping good hygiene practices, and having your vaccination, we can all help reduce the threat of influenza, protecting those most vulnerable in society.
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Service Guide
Everything you need to know about Getting Treated Privately
What does the Get Treated Privately service do?
The Get Treated Privately service is a private prescribing service which is designed for adults aged 18 years and over, who are experiencing health issues and who would like to receive a fast-track assessment and if applicable, a treatment plan from a qualified prescribing clinician. Treatments are dispensed and delivered to your home or workplace from our regulated online pharmacy.
Is this a safe service?
Yes. Our formulary of medications prescribed and conditions treated are controlled, governed, and continuously risk-assessed by our Medical Director, Dr. Aseel Hamoud. Unlike other prescribing services which operate using faceless questionnaires, our service is conducted through remote video consultations, also known as synchronous consultations. This builds patient safety and prescribing appropriateness into our service, ensuring our prescribing clinicians can be satisfied with who and what they are treating. There is no guarantee of supply of medications, and any prescriptions supplied are at the sole discretion of our clinician prescriber. There is no charge for the consultation.
What is a prescribing clinician and is it safe for me to use them on the NowPatient platform?
Our prescribing clinicians are board-certified pharmacists, nurses, or doctors who can also prescribe any medicine for any medical condition, subject to accepted accreditation and good clinical practice. They are all registered with their respective regulatory bodies. For example, a pharmacist independent prescriber is registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC). Each prescribing clinician undergoes an extensive background check including a disclosure and barring service check (DBS). In addition, they undergo a rigorous license verification process. When you book an appointment with our prescribing clinicians you will see their full name, license number, and any specialized credentials they have.
Is the service available worldwide?
Yes, the Get Treated Privately service is available worldwide.
Do I need to pay for this service?
Yes. This is a private service. You do not need to pay for the consultation. You only pay for the cost of the medication you are prescribed.
How do I book a consultation?
Once you have logged into your account, you will need to navigate to the Get Treated Privately quick action widget which is located at the bottom of your dashboard. You can then select one of the following actions – ‘Search Treatments’ or ‘Search Conditions’.
Depending on the search type, you will be taken to a consultation booking screen. You will then need to select a date and time that is convenient for you, along with the preferred language of the prescribing clinician you wish to choose. You will then see a list of all available clinicians. From this list, you can filter clinicians by gender and then select the clinician you would like to confirm for your booking.
Once you have approved this, you will see a summary of the appointment including preliminary information about the consultation. At this point, you will also be able to add a reminder to your calendar. Always ensure your account health profile is up to date before any consultation. This ensures that our clinicians have the most up-to-date information about your current health status and anything that may influence their prescribing decisions. You will receive a push notification and email reminding you of your consultation, 30 minutes before it is due to start.
You can ‘star’ the Get Treated Privately quick action widget to have it display in the ‘My Favourite Widgets’ section of your dashboard, for ease of future booking or checking active or past orders.
What happens during the remote video consultation?
During the consultation, the clinician will ask you a series of questions that will allow the clinician to diagnose your health condition and consider possible treatment options. At the end of the consultation, the clinician will decide if a treatment plan is a safe and appropriate option for you.
If it is, the clinician will discuss the various treatment options that may be available, so that you can jointly agree on the option that is most suited to you. Once you have jointly agreed on a treatment plan, the clinician will issue a prescription order which will be available in your ‘shopping cart’ at the end of the consultation.
Also, with your consent, the clinician may wish to inform your GP of the treatment that was prescribed. We recommend that you agree to this since your GP is responsible for your overall care and they should have a record of this consultation and medication prescribed. In addition, our clinician may take the opportunity to advise you on your overall health including advice on healthy living or stop smoking.
What happens at the end of the consultation?
At the end of the consultation, you will receive a notification which will summarise the outcome. It will also advise if any referrals were made to your GP, along with any other advice that was given to you by the clinician.
If a GP referral letter was issued, you will be able to view a copy of this in the ‘My Documents’ section of your dashboard.
If you were prescribed a treatment plan, it will now be available in your shopping cart. When you go to your shopping cart, you will be able to checkout and make payment. Once the checkout is complete, your prescription order will be sent to our regulated online pharmacy for processing.
What if the prescriber does not prescribe what I want?
We operate a safe and effective service. This means that our prescribing clinicians always exercise their clinical judgment when prescribing. Unfortunately, we do not operate a service where you can demand a certain medication. If you are not prescribed anything, then you will not be charged.
Will I get status updates for my order?
Yes. When you place an order with NowPatient, we will keep you fully updated with the status of your order. Every time the status of your order changes, you will be notified immediately. These notifications will appear in your ‘My Notifications’ section on your dashboard. You can click the notification and it will take you to your active orders screen which will give you a timeline overview of the progress of your order. This can also be accessed using the ‘My Orders’ quick action widget which is on your dashboard. Here, you can access active and past orders.
How will my order be delivered?
All orders are shipped in discreet and unmarked packaging. This means it is suitable for delivery wherever you require (home, work, or a neighbour). For thermo-sensitive orders (e.g. Insulin or weight loss injections) we use cold chain-validated packaging. Your parcel will normally receive an estimated delivery window from the courier on the day of delivery.
For your protection and safety, your first order can only be delivered to the address that is registered with NowPatient. Future orders can be delivered to any other address, for example, your workplace.
Do you ship cold-chain or temperature sensitive products?
Yes. We use a specialist courier service for all thermo-sensitive deliveries. This is to ensure that cold chain integrity is always maintained and thus the product quality, safety and efficacy.
Learn more about how we handle the delivery of temperature sensitive products.
Where do you deliver?
We currently deliver to all postcodes/zipcodes worldwide. Some postcodes in rural areas may have a slightly longer delivery time.
When will my order arrive?
- UK – Royal Mail Tracked 24 & Signed for Delivery – Next day delivery
- Europe – Royal Mail Tracked – Typical delivery of 3-5 working days
- Worldwide – Royal Mail – Typical delivery of 5-7 working days. If a tracked option is available for your country via Royal Mail, this service will be applied.
What should I do if my order has not arrived?
Delivery is normally made promptly after your dispatch notification is received. You can check the tracking details of your order in the ‘My Notifications’ section of your dashboard, at any point after dispatch.
Unfortunately, packages can sometimes get lost in the delivery system, if after 10 days you have not received your delivery, please contact us and we will do all we can to resolve the problem.
Can you prescribe GLP-1 weight loss injections?
Yes. However, with GLP-1 weight loss medications, the license requires that there are support resources put in place as part of the plan including coaching for a healthy lifestyle, exercise, and diet. Our clinicians will discuss this with you, if you are prescribed this type of treatment.
You can learn more on our Weight Loss Programs feature page.
About Telehealth
Everything you need to know about video consultations
Are remote video consultations right for me?
How do I know if the remote video consultation service is safe?
Do I need to verify my identity during the remote video consultation?
Can I have a chaperone (carer, friend, family member) join a remote video consultation?
How can I be sure that you are handling and protecting my data securely?
How is my data stored?
Are my consultations confidential?
Can I select which clinician I have my consultation with?
Will my doctor be informed of any consultations I have through the app?
Do remote video consultations save money for health systems?
Are remote video consultations safer than online questionnaires?
What quality of care can I expect to receive from a remote video consultation?
Why am I being asked to provide my Blood Pressure reading?
If I don’t have a Blood Pressure monitor, how can I provide my readings?
Is the remote blood pressure monitor safe and medically accurate?
How does the remote blood pressure monitor actually work?
When and how is my remote blood pressure reading taken?
What devices does the remote Blood Pressure monitor work on?
Why do my results keep failing when using the remote blood pressure monitor service?
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What does NowPatient do?
NowPatient is an online pharmacy & telehealth service that is available in the US and UK. Our service is FREE and packed with useful features that can help you save money on the cost of your medications, access virtual treatments, and provide tools that can help improve your overall health.
Get started today and benefit from medication reminders, Get Treated Privately, NHS online pharmacy, GP appointment booking, Rx savings card, Drug Coupons, US drug savings programs, health conditions information, genetic testing, home test kits, BMI Risks, Type 2 Diabetes Risks, pollen meter, air quality monitor, and lots more!
Our service is operated by experienced medical professionals in the United States and the United Kingdom. You can view the online services that we provide by clicking Features.
UK users can safely and securely buy medicines online that treat a wide range of medical conditions. UK customers can also order NHS prescriptions online with the benefit of free tracked delivery.
US customers, regardless of insurance coverage, can enjoy huge savings on prescription medications using our various drug savings programs including drug coupons, savings card and manufacturer-sponsored patient assistance programs.
Where is NowPatient located?
NowPatient has offices in the United Kingdom and United States.
In the UK, we are located at:
NowPatient
28 Chipstead Valley Road
Coulsdon
Surrey
CR52RA
In the US, we are located at:
NowPatient
8911 North Capital of Texas Highway
Suite 4200 #1263
78759
Austin, TX
How can I contact NowPatient?
To contact NowPatient, please use the contact form available on the Contact Us page.
Alternatively, if you need to speak to us, you can reach us on the following numbers:
UK telephone number – 020 388 51 500
US telephone number – 1-866-967-1977
Who owns NowPatient?
NowPatient is owned and operated by Infohealth Ltd, a licensed online pharmacy with services spanning the UK, US and Rest of the World. Infohealth Ltd is registered in England and Wales under company number 04004930 and our registered office is at Lynwood House, 373 – 375 Station Road, Harrow, England, HA1 2AW.
Our website is www.nowpatient.com. Our App is called “NowPatient” and can be downloaded from the App Store (for Apple devices) or Google Play (for Android devices).
Can you tell me more about your NHS online pharmacy?
NowPatient’s Pharmaceutical services in the UK are provided by Infohealth Limited trading as ‘Infohealth Pharmacy’.
Our dispensing pharmacy is regulated and authorized for internet sales by the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC), registration number 1036487. You can view our license credentials on the General Pharmaceutical Council website. Our superintendent pharmacist who is responsible for the safe and effective oversight of medicines supplies is Mr Amish Patel (Registration Number 2042705).
Medicines are not ordinary items of commerce. All medicines or healthcare product sales are made under the supervision of a registered pharmacist who is licensed by the GPhC. At all times, we endeavour to provide a professional and transparent service whose primary goal is to ensure that the best interests of the patient are served.
How do I make a complaint?
From time to time, we accept that our service levels may not be up to your expectations. NowPatient welcomes concerns, compliments and complaints as valuable feedback that will help us learn from your experiences and make improvements. Feedback can be provided via our clear and transparent Complaints Procedures.
Can you tell me more about NowPatient’s prescribing services for treatments offered?
Our prescribing services are regulated by the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC). We provide the following regulated activity:
• treatment of disease, disorder, or injury
• transport services, triage, and medical advice are provided remotely
• caring for adults over 65 years old
• caring for adults under 65 years old
NowPatient prescribing services are run by Infohealth Limited. The Clinical Safety Officer and nominated individual is Mr Navin Khosla.
Can you tell me more about NowPatient’s US services?
Our head of US services is Dr. Jamie Winn.
You can lower the cost of your prescription medications using our various savings programs which include drug coupons, savings card and manufacturer-sponsored patient assistance programs.
We do not provide any prescribing services or dispensing services in the United States.
Is NowPatient legit and can I trust information from NowPatient?
Yes. NowPatient provides trustworthy and accessible clinical, health education and prescription services. We are also trusted by the NHS to deliver clinical and NHS repeat prescription dispensing across the whole of England. In the United States, we work with over 65,000 pharmacies to deliver considerable costs savings for our users.
NowPatient is operated by experienced licensed medical professionals in the United Kingdom and United States. Our Medical Team can be found here.
Our service is trusted by thousands of patients worldwide. You can read their reviews on our Trustpilot:
What are NowPatient’s opening hours?
Our office hours are:
UK – Monday-Friday 9am-6pm GMT
US – Monday-Friday 8am-5pm EST
Please note that we are closed at weekends.
In the event of a medical life-threatening emergency please call:
UK – 999
US – 911
In the event of a medical emergency which is not life-threatening please call:
UK – 111