In the majority of cases flu is not serious -

his is more likely if you are elderly or have some other longstanding illness that can undermine your immune system. Your risk of experiencing severe flu complications is higher

As flu is caused by a virus, antibiotics won't do any good, unless the flu has led to another illness.

Some painkillers, such as aspirin, should not be given to children under 12 (Department of Health, United Kingdom). If you have flu you should: stay at home try to avoid contact with other people keep warm and rest make sure you consume plenty of liquids don't consume alcohol if you are a smoker stop smoking or cut your consumption down as much as you can try to get some food down (eat what you can) if you live alone, tell a relative, friend or neighbor that you have flu. Make sure someone can check in on you and do your shopping

In the United States approximately 5% to 20% of the population gets flu,

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), in annual influenza epidemics 5% to 15% of the world's population become ill with upper respiratory tract infections.

Health experts and government agencies throughout the world say that the single best way to protect yourself from catching flu is to get vaccination every year.