People told 'see a GP' in UK-wide 'flu-like' symptoms summer health warning

People told 'see a GP' in UK-wide 'flu-like' symptoms summer health warning People in the UK have been warned in a new alert issued by a pharmacist about the red-flag signs they need to see a GP With temperatures staying high and horseflies thriving in warm, sunny conditions, pharmacists at Chemist4U are warning that bites from the pesky insect can be far more severe than people realise. As well as causing intense pain, swelling and itching, some sufferers are reporting symptoms that leave them feeling generally unwell, including fatigue, aches, and 'flu-like' symptoms. Ian Budd, Lead Prescribing Pharmacist at Chemist4U, has explained why horsefly bites can trigger such strong reactions, which symptoms to watch out for, and when a bite could be a sign of infection requiring treatment. He also warns people to 'see a GP' if they notice certain symptoms, saying that "this is usually your body trying to tell you something isn’t right." He said: "While most insect bites are little more than an irritation, horsefly bites can be a different story, often causing more pain, swelling, and inflammation than people expect. Unlike mosquitoes, which pierce your skin, horseflies actually cut into it with scissor-like mouthparts to feed." He says that this creates a deeper wound, which is why the bite tends to be immediately painful, can take longer to heal, and carries a greater risk of infection if it’s scratched or not cared for properly. He continued: "In cases where you start to feel generally unwell, experiencing symptoms like aches, fatigue, swollen glands, or even feeling flu-like, it’s typically your body’s immune system reacting to the bite. "However, it can also be a sign that an infection is developing, particularly if your symptoms are accompanied by spreading redness, increasing pain, heat around the bite, or discharge from the wound. The majority of horsefly bites will improve within a week and can usually be managed at home. "A cold compress can help reduce swelling, antihistamines may ease the itching, and hydrocortisone cream can calm any inflammation. The key thing is to avoid scratching, as this significantly increases the risk of infection." Ian's tips for managing a horsefly bite safely Cool the area as soon as possible. Apply a cold compress or wrap an ice pack for around 20 minutes to help reduce the swelling and discomfort. Use antihistamines if itching develops. Antihistamine tablets can help reduce itching and may make bites less tempting to scratch, reducing your risk of infection. Take painkillers if you’re struggling. Taking paracetamol or ibuprofen (if suitable for you) can also help with pain relief if your bite is particularly painful. Try not to scratch. As difficult as it might be to avoid scratching, it damages the skin and increases the chance of bacteria getting into the bite. When should I see a GP, and what are the warning signs? Ian says: "Watch for signs of infection". While most horsefly bites heal within a week, Ian stresses the importance of keeping an eye out for any signs of infection. "Redness that continues to spread, worsening pain, warmth around the site of the bite, or swollen glands shouldn’t be ignored", he said. He also recommends: "Listen to your body." For instance, if you develop a temperature, aches, fatigue, or feel generally unwell after a bite, "make sure you seek advice from a GP or pharmacist", he said. "This is usually your body trying to tell you something isn’t right." He added: "While horsefly bites can be particularly painful and sometimes cause significant swelling, most people recover without any complications. The key is keeping the bite clean, avoiding scratching, and seeking advice if symptoms appear to be getting worse rather than better." How can I reduce my risk of getting a horsefly bite? To lower your chances of getting bitten by a horsefly, put on light and loose clothes since horseflies depend on their vision and are drawn to dark, moving objects. When you're around water, in wooded areas, or near tall grass, apply effective insect repellents such as DEET or Picaridin, and try to stay indoors during times when they are most active. Healthline says: "To prevent future horsefly bites, apply insect repellent before going outdoors. If possible, stick to light-colored clothing. Horseflies are attracted to darker colours, so this may help keep them away."