Flu

What is the flu?

The flu is an acute viral respiratory infection. It spreads easily from person to person; at home, at school, at work, at the supermarket, on the train etc.

It gets passed on when someone who already has the flu coughs or sneezes and is transmitted through the air by droplets, or it can be spread by hands contaminated with the virus.

Symptoms can include-

- Fever

- Chills

- Headache

- Muscle pain

- Extreme fatigue

- A dry cough

-Sore throat

- Stuffy nose

Most people recover within a week but flu can cause severe illness or even death in people with high risk. It is estimated that 10,000 deaths in England and Wales are attributed to influenza infections annually.

Why should I get a Flu vaccination?

Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent influenza.

Although anyone can catchinfluenza, certain people are st greater risk from the implications of flu, as their body may not be able to fight the virus.

If you are pregnant, 65 years or over, a child, morbidly obese, suffer from severe asthma, chronic liver disease (cirrhosis, biliary atresia, chronic hepititis), diabetes or immunosuppression, have a heart, kidney or lung condition, have had a stroke or transient ischaemic attack, you are considered at greater risk from flu and implications can be serious. If you fall into one of the "at risk" groups above or you are a carer or a headache worker you are eligible for a free flu vaccination. Speak to your healthcare professional today to book your free flu vaccination.

If you are not eligible for a free flu vaccination, you can still protect yourself and those around you from the flu by getting a flu vaccination at a local pharmacy.

How does a flu vaccine work?

About 10-14 days after vaccination, your body makes antibodies that help to protect you similar flu viruses that ma infect you. The protection lasts for a year, so covers the current flu season.

Will a flu vaccination give me flu?

No. All injectable available flu vaccines are inactive and do not contain live viruses. One vaccine, an intranasal vaccination, contains live attenuated viruses that have been weakened and adapted.None of the influenza vaccines can therefore cause the flu.

However, a flu vaccination can take up to 2 weeks to begin working so it is possible to catch flu in this period.

A flu vaccination is designed to protect you against the most common and potent strains of flu viruses circulating in your country during the season. However, there is still a small chance you could catch a flu virus from a strain which is not included in your annual flu vaccine.

Flu vaccination does not offer protection against the common cold, so you may still catch cold viruses circulating in your community.

Why do I need a flu vaccination every year?

Influenza viruses are constantly changing and vaccines are developed to protect against the predicted strains each year so it is important to get vaccinated against the latest strains for the UK.

Tell the nurse before your flu vaccination if...

- You feel unwell, have a temperature or an infection

- You are allergic to either eggs or chicken

- You have had a reaction to a previous flu jab

- You are pregnant or breastfeeding

- You are allergic to any antibiotics

After you have had your flu vaccination...

- If you have a sore arm, apply a cold flannel

- If you have a headache or slight fever, drink plenty of water and painkillers may help

- If symptoms persist over 48 hours, contact your surgery.

For more information, visit:

www.dontforgetaboutflu.co.uk

Thank you for reading x