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

[andywedge]

Do men suffer more than women or is man flu a myth?

[IonaAilidh11]

can getting flu jab affect allergies

[earnshaw47]

what the difference between a cold and flu

[tallandlong]

is it better to sweat it out, or take medicine to take the edge off?

[007hel]

I would like to know more about the flu vaccine, a few of my elder relatives have become very poorly since having it and I wonder if my ds should have it if he gets offered this year. Also if we have vaccines such as the flu one, is our immune system effected in fighting things it would have been able to otherwise. Does that make sense?

[finleypop]

How is flu transmitted & can it be avoided?

[devito92]

When's the best time to apply the spray ? ie bed time or first thing in the morning

[yoeydavis]

when it comes to the elderly or very young when do you decide it's time to go to hospital. my nan is 84 so i worry about her getting ill.

[maryandbuzz1]

How long are you contagious for?
Does having the flu vaccination make you ill?

[stefalfie11]

Why is the nasal vaccination only available to small children? Would it be possible to make it accessible to everyone?

[Floralnomad]

Is it ok to have the flu jab if you are already ill at the time with a chest infection ?

[wobblywindows]

I've been reading up on this page > www.nhs.uk/Conditions/vaccinations/Pages/child-flu-vaccine.aspx

If the nasal spray "works even better than the injected flu vaccine." why do only children get the nasal spray?

"The vaccine contains live but weakened flu viruses..."

[Pastychef]

Does taking a vitamin C supplement daily help to ward off the flu?

[janeyf1]

When is it best to get the flu vaccine so as to prevent catching it and how do you know it will be the right type to ward of any new strains that are coming?

[lotte321]

Apart from 'catch it, bin it, kill it', are there any other useful preventional mantras that can be followed?

[PugwallsSummer]

What are the most common side effects of the flu jab/nasal spray vaccine, and what are the biggest risks?

[sophiefx]

If my daughter who is currently 4 months old was to have the flu vaccine, would she get a temperature afterwards? And should I expect a crying baby for the day or 2 afterwards?

[fld14]

Does taking Vitamin C regularly help prevent you contracting flu?

[iut044]

What tips do you have to recover from the flu?

[lovemyflipflops]

My son has a multitude of allergies, hay fever, asthma, and eczema. How safe is his immune system battling this immunisation when he has other issues already.

[happysouls]

Are there any remedies that actually work to help cure colds and flu or do they just relieve symptoms?

[Catmadroo]

The flu spray for children I believe has animal products in it, what is the alternative for vegetarians and vegans?

[LeeR1985]

Do you have to get the flu vaccination on a regular basis or is it a one-off shot?

[mooota1514]

What's the difference between a heavy cold, and the flu? There are annual fights on here between people claiming to have the flu and people saying they can't possibly have it because people with flu can't type.

[lizd31]

I have to have the flu vaccine every year as I have fibromyalgia & rheumatoid arthritis & am on Methotrexate so my immune system is compromised but I have suspected glandular fever which I've had for several months so my nurse says I shouldn't have the vaccine until I'm certain I don't have it. Do you know why that is as I'm concerned if I don't have it that I could be very ill should I get the flu this year.