Got any questions about flu? Ask GP and broadcaster, Dr Rosemary Leonard! chance to win £300 voucher! NOW CLOSED

[EllieMumsnet]

As winter draws in, it’s crucial to look after ourselves, our families and our little ones. Flu in particular can be a threat at this time of year. Despite the flu being a fairly common illness, its causes, symptoms and remedies can cause some confusion.

With that being said, GP and broadcaster, Dr Rosemary Leonard is here to answer your flu queries and questions. Whether you have questions about the flu vaccination, symptoms in younger children or want to know more about the flu remedies that are out there, Dr Rosemary is here to help.

Dr. Rosemary Leonard, GP and broadcaster, said: “Young children’s bodies can find it hard to cope with flu, so it is especially important to protect them with the vaccine. The nasal spray is a quick, effective and painless alternative to needles.

Once ill, children also tend to spread infection more than adults. The vaccine helps to reduce the spread of flu to other more vulnerable family members, such as grandparents.”

Post any questions you have about the flu on the thread below and we’ll choose 20 for Dr. Rosemary to answer and then post a link to the responses as soon as possible. Everyone who posts their questions will be entered into a prize draw where one MNer will win a £300 voucher of their choice (from a list).

Here is some information about Dr Rosemary Leonard:
Rosemary has been the resident doctor on BBC Breakfast, and writes a weekly column for the Daily Express and Sunday Express Magazine. She is also the Medical editor and feature writer for Woman and Home magazine. She is still a practising doctor, working as the senior partner at a practice in south London. She has worked as the national GP representative on the Committee on Safety of Medicines, been a member of the Human Genetics Commission and a non- executive Director of the Health protection Agency. She trained in medicine at Cambridge University, where she was awarded double first class honours. She was awarded an M.B.E. for her services to healthcare in 2004, and was awarded ‘Health Advice Columnist of the Year’ in 2016.

Thanks and good luck!

MNHQ

Standard Insight T&C’s apply

[purplepandas]

I have heard that the nasal spray can be painful in some children and is not used in some areas of Canada for this reason ( jab instead). Can you comment on this? Info was from someone who works on WHO vaccination and pain research so not just a random!

[Thesqueezermustghost]

What are the economics behind vaccination. How much profit is made by drug companies?

[foxessocks]

My dd got very upset just before her nasal spray and consequently was quite snotty when the nurse finally did it. A lot came back out of her nose but the nurse assured me most of it went in and it was fine...I can't have it done again presumably so do I just hope it worked?

[IndianaMoleWoman]

I’ve heard that a number of people die from flu each year. I’ve also heard that if you have flu, you shouldn’t seek medical attention as you will spread it. At what point is someone, particularly a child, ill enough to seek medical attention for flu?

[PorridgeAgainAbney]

I was going to get the vaccine because there are people in my family who have compromised immune systems (due to temporary and long term conditions) so I wanted to make sure I wouldn't pass it onto them, but they are all now having the vaccine anyway.

As a healthy adult with no medical issues, is flu likely to be anything more than a few days in bed, or is it worth me paying to have the vaccine for my own sake?

[ErinSophia]

Why can't my under 2 year old get the flu jab ?

[RB68]

How far away are we from the all flu variations vaccine that lasts several years?

[Sazzle1984]

What ingredients are in the flu vaccine?

[AlakazamAlakazoom]

If a child has severe viral wheeze is there any chance the nasal spray flu vaccine would trigger a wheeze reaction?

[Fizzyxo]

Is there a natural way to treat the flu?

Naturapathy is growing bigger and bigger each day, just thought there'd be a natural remedy for most things.

[Belmo]

How effective is the flu jag likely to be?

[del2929]

my 16 month old takes aspirin for a CHD . i was told the nasal spray wasnt suitable for her and that she will need the jab instead. i was just wondering why? could you shed any light?

Also. why cant adults over 18 have the nasal spray?

[MollyHuaCha]

My neighbour has a flu vaccination last month and claimed it gave her flu exactly two weeks later.

Is this possible?

[DaisyDando]

I’ve only ever had flu once and it was horrendous. I was a healthy 22 year old. Almost 20 years later and I was wondering what the best line of defence is, other than the jab.

[ShovingLeopard]

How accurate are the figures for numbers of people with flu? If I had it, I can't imagine going to the GP unless I was ill enough to be hospitalised. Never once have I had bloods taken to check which particular virus I am suffering from when ill. I imagine I'm not the only one, so how do the official compilers of flu figures prepare their data? Are the numbers recorded likely to be understated?

[PepeLePew]

I realise flu is contagious, hence epidemics, but if one family member catches it, how likely is it that everyone else will do so? I am a single parent and can’t really see how I’d cope if I, and the children, all got sick. I asked the GP about immunisation but she said I shouldn’t worry and what will be will be.

[BamburyFuriou3]

I've heard it's possible to have flu very mildly, and a cold very severely - so is there a way to tell which you have?

[NellMangel]

My 3 year old recently had the flu vaccine spray and it was easy and stress free so I'd like to reassure any parents who aren't sure about going ahead.

When I've asked friends if they'll be vaccinating their toddler they've been dismissive and seem to think the flu is just a bad cold. What exactly are the risks associated with flu?

[NanooCov]

My toddler (2 years 10.5 months) is due to get the nasal vaccination for the first time in a couple of weeks. I’ll have a very new newborn baby by then (due to be born next week with any luck). Is there any risk to the baby from “shedding” as I understand the nasal vaccination is a live attenuated vaccine and shedding can be a risk to immune compromised people - I’m not sure if a newborn falls into that category?

[AnnieHoo]

I would like to know if you can get the flu virus at the same time as a chest infection? I have a chest infection and now a fever can antibiotics clear that?

[georgedawes]

I'd be interested to know if the introduction of the children's vaccine for flu has had an impact on overall infection and complication rates.

[Ferryfairy]

How long can the flu virus survive on surfaces in the home?

[TracyKNixon]

If I have allergies, am I more likely to get the flu?

[forcompsonly]

As there are so many strains of the flu how effective is the vaccination overall - how many strains can it cover for?

[Elizasmum02]

whats the best way to treat the flu? what medicines or natural rememdies would you recommend?