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

339 replies

EllieMumsnet · 26/10/2017 14:09

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

Got any questions about flu? Ask GP and broadcaster, Dr Rosemary Leonard!  chance to win £300 voucher! NOW CLOSED
OP posts:
lastkisstoo · 30/10/2017 16:44

Is it not true that the likelihood is that the virus will have mutated from the strain the innoculation is made from before we even get it?

tabbaz123 · 30/10/2017 16:51

Is the nasal spray suitable for asthmatic children? Is it any more or any less effective than an injection ?

StandUnderMyUmbrella · 30/10/2017 17:06

I get a flu offer every year and this seems to be down to the fact I have a heart murmur, as i am otherwise well.
Do i really need it and am i really high-risk?

Wishingandwaiting · 30/10/2017 17:08

The first defence nasal spray.
Supposedly scientifically prove to stop colds.
Would love your thoughts

Rotorevolution · 30/10/2017 17:22

When should you seek medical advice if you are ill with the flu?

Minnibix · 30/10/2017 17:29

I am have a phobia of needles, is there any other way I can get this treatment please, also is it true that the flu virus changes every two years or so

twinklenic · 30/10/2017 18:43

I have an autoimmune disorder so always have the flu jab but want to know if my 4 year old should have it and if she has the nasal spray is that a live vaccine and would that still be ok for her to have that even if i have immunosuppressive medication

glmcall123 · 30/10/2017 19:39

Does this flu jab defend against the Australian flu that's about at the moment?

laurapotz · 30/10/2017 19:58

I've heard that it's less common for children to get full blown flu - is this a myth?

buckley1983 · 30/10/2017 22:20

What are your top tips for ensuring a comfortable night for a LO with flu?

rhinosuze · 30/10/2017 22:42

Is there anything you can really do to treat flu or do you just have to ride it out?

sweir1 · 30/10/2017 23:19

I have never had the jab, nor the flu. Do I have a high intolerance?

cwalliss82 · 31/10/2017 05:10

What is the best time to have the flu jab?

libra101 · 31/10/2017 06:45

We know that flu can be a terrible illness for young and older, vulnerable people to catch. However, with more being heard about sepsis, how is it possible to differentiate between the two diseases, what are the main differences?

PaintingByNumbers · 31/10/2017 07:08

Sweir1, maybe you are one of the symptomless carriers!!!! Definitely get a flu jab for everyone elses sake! (Question to Dr, is that a thing?)

AngelwingsPetlamb · 31/10/2017 07:39

If a person is allergic to egg and cannot receive the flu jab because of this, are there any alternatives available so they can still benefit from protection against flu ?

jazzitup · 31/10/2017 07:57

Would just like to know the best way to avoid flu or how to cope with it when you have it, thanks.

allibaby · 31/10/2017 08:33

I very rarely catch colds and flu and I'm not keen on the idea of having the flu jab. Would you still recommend I get it despite rarely picking up these types of illnesses?

Dormouse1940 · 31/10/2017 09:07

Apparently flu is meant to be particularly bad this year. Is this true or just fear-mongering?
Is it worth me, a generally fit and healthy 20-something year old, asking for the flu jab?
Does having the flu-jab lead to a resistance, such as the over use of antibiotics?

grannybiker · 31/10/2017 09:07

Is this a live vaccine?
Should it be given to those with low immunity already? (Chemotherapy specifically, but in general too.)

rocketriffs · 31/10/2017 10:51

In the last year I have had two friends both in their 40s who have died in hospital with flu. Would you recommend that people with severe flu symptoms be rushed to A&E instead of waiting for a GP appointment?

NecrotisingDisaster · 31/10/2017 11:06

Both my DC will get it at school, is there really a point in me getting it every year as well? I had it in 2010, 2012, when I was pregnant but not since then.

lalalauren416 · 31/10/2017 11:18

What are the best foods to eat when you have flu?

clairethewitch70 · 31/10/2017 11:20

I had the flu vaccine on Sunday. I have a hard lump 2" diameter & redness in the area. Also my Fibro has flared since then. Is this normal?

clairethewitch70 · 31/10/2017 11:21

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