Influenza (or flu) is an acute infection of the respiratory tract that causes sporadic respiratory illness, usually during Autumn and Winter. In the UK, it is responsible for at least 100 deaths a year, with epidemics every 2 to 3 years leading to a 10-fold increase in deaths, and pandemics every 30–40 years killing many more. This article aims to provide an overview of influenza for GPs involved in the management of flu, from prevention, to diagnosis and management of the acute illness in the community.
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