How to beat Chinese flu

What is Chinese flu?

"It's an unusually virulent form of influenza A, known as the H3N2 Fujianlike strain, after the Chinese province of Fujian where it was first isolated," says Professor John Oxford, professor of virology at Queen Mary's School of Medicine. "The virus was picked up in Australia and moved across to Argentina and Chile. It is now here."

Why are doctors being alerted to this virus? Is it that deadly?

The past three years have been unusually quiet, but "flu activity" has started earlier than usual this autumn, which is a cause for concern. "People tend to underestimate how serious any kind of flu is," says GP Dr Mark Porter, "but we need to get this in perspective. Every year there are roughly 4,000 deaths as a result of influenza, and it tends to strike at the extremes of age - in the undertwos and the over-65s. In 1989, the last particularly 'bad' year for flu, it caused more than 25,000 extra deaths but people should remember that deaths occur almost exclusively in the at-risk groups."

So who is in an "at-risk" group?

Anyone suffering from respiratory or heart disease, renal failure, diabetes mellitus, or with a weakened immune system due to disease or as a result of treatment. Babies and the elderly are obviously particularly at risk.

Is Chinese flu more contagious than other types?

"Flu isn't like Sars," says Professor Oxford. "You could walk into a room with someone who had Sars and not get it, because, as a disease, it's not highly infectious. But influenza is. If you're breathing the same air as a flu sufferer, or touching things they've touched, the virus is much more easily transmitted. If it gets on your hands, and you touch your nose or mouth, then the virus can easily get to where it wants to be. You can help break the chain of infection through good hygiene, washing dishes at a high temperature, wiping surfaces and washing hands frequently."

Will the flu jab keep it away?

It will help protect you. This year's flu vaccine contains A (H3N2) Panama-like virus, a close cousin, if you like, of the Fujian-like strain. The Health Protection Agency says this should offer some protection against the Fujian strain and good protection against other strains that may circulate this winter.

Isn't it a bit late to get a jab now?

No, it's well worth getting a flu jab. Studies-have shown that some people begin to develop immunity to the viruses in the vaccine within as little as three or four days. Those eligible for a free jab include anyone over 65, or anyone under 65 and in an "at-risk" group. Boots has a walk-in flu vaccination service (for over-18s) at some branches, for £15 (call customer services on 0845 070 8090 for details).

How do I know if I've got it?

You'll know. Colds tend to develop; flu just hits you. It comes on suddenly - you can go to work feeling fine, and by lunchtime you'll feel dreadful, with a fever and aching all over. Flu knocks you off your feet for about a week.

What do I do if I catch it?

"If you're a fit adult or a child and you think you have flu, there is no point in being seen by a doctor," says Dr Mark Porter, " as there is nothing they can do for you. Don't go into work; you'll be useless and you'll spread the virus. Stay at home, take paracetamol and plenty of fluids, and rest."

Will cough syrups and other overthecounter medicines help?

Yes, these can help you feel more comfortable. Use paracetamol to bring your temperature down.

What about the new anti-flu drugs? Won't they help?

"If you develop the disease and are one of the six to 10 million people in the UK who are in the at-risk groups, you should get to a doctor within 48 hours of symptoms starting," says Dr Porter, "as there are drugs that can be used to help speed recovery. Doctors can prescribe drugs such as zanamivir, (sold as Relenza), or oseltamivir (sold as Tamiflu), but only to people in the at-risk groups who have not had a jab and who have been in close contact with someone already suffering from the flu."