As a seasonal outbreak sweeps the country, and the region, Elaine Ross from NHS Dumfries and Galloway’s infection control team this week addressed the situation.
She advises anyone currently suffering from the flu to take painkillers and drink plenty of fluids.
Elaine, pictured above, said: “If you already have the flu we’d advise people to follow the message ‘Catch It, Bin It, Kill It’.
“So if you are coughing, make sure you have plenty of paper tissues with you, and make sure you throw those away properly and then use alcohol hand rub – which works very well in helping to prevent the illness being spread.
“And if you don’t have the flu, it’s not too late to get the vaccine. You can get that at a High Street pharmacy, so you don’t even need to go to the doctors. If you’re not sure if you’re eligible, you can pay for it at a High Street pharmacy.”
Furthermore, anyone with flu is advised to stay away from visiting anyone in hospital or anyone ill at home.