There are several symptoms that can be uncomfortable but rarely serious enough to warrant an emergency
People are being warned to avoid calling 999 just because they’re displaying some uncomfortable, but rarely serious, symptoms. It comes after NHS England previously warned this month that A&E and ambulance services are facing record-high demands ahead of winter.
It also noted that A&E attendances and ambulance incidents were at a record high for October, with A&E attendances reaching 37,000, higher than the year before. Meanwhile, ambulance incidents jumped by nearly 50,000 compared to the same time last year.
Due to the increase in demand, people are being urged not to call 999 for non-urgent situations, such as coming down with a cold or flu. However, people are still being urged by the NHS to use 999 if they need it and that primary and emergency care services will be available to those who require them.
Through an NHS video posted on X, Eyram, a paramedic with the London Ambulance Service, said: “Got the flu? You might be feeling miserable, but you probably don’t need to call 999. Symptoms can come on very quickly and include feeling tired and exhausted, feeling achy and having a high temperature, a dry cough or sore throat, a headache, difficulty sleeping, a loss of appetite, diarrhoea or tummy pains.”
Eyram added: “If you have the flu, there’s some things you can do to get better quickly. Rest and sleep. Keep warm. Take regular paracetamol and ibuprofen to reduce aches and pains.
“Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration. You can also use NHS 111 for medical advice or call 999 if you start to develop chest pains, breathing difficulties or start to cough up blood.”
Common flu symptoms and when to call 999
- Tiredness or exhaustion
- Loss of appetite
- Aches throughout the body
- A sudden high temperature
- A sore throat
- Difficulty sleeping
- Feeling sick and being sick
- A dry cough
- Diarrhoea or tummy pain
- A headache
If you are at a higher risk of serious illnesses, such as being 65 or over, pregnant, or have a long-term health condition, the NHS advises booking an urgent GP appointment or dial 111 for further advice. Furthermore, you may need to call 999 or go to A&E if you suffer one of the following symptoms while suffering from the flu:
- Coughing up a lot of blood
- Sudden chest pain
- Difficulty breathing
If you are experiencing these symptoms and you decide to go to A&E, it is advised not to drive there yourself. Instead, you should either ask someone to drive you there or call 999 and request an ambulance.
Further guidance on dealing with a flu infection can be found on the NHS website here.
