WHY YOU MAY NEED A FLU JAB

WHAT IS FLU?

Influenza (flu) is a viral infection that strikes mainly during the winter months. It can affect people of all ages. The first signs are headache, sore throat and runny nose, aching muscles, fever and shivering. Flu makes you feel completely exhausted and the extreme fatigue may last for two or three weeks.

You can catch flu by breathing in droplets in the air that contain the virus. The symptoms start to develop between one and four days later.

 

HOW DO I AVOID GETTING THE FLU?

One of the best ways of protecting yourself against flu is to have a flu jab during the autumn (September to November) every year. Flu vaccination is free of charge for those at risk.

The flu virus is constantly changing, so you need to have a jab every year to keep up your immunity. This will not stop you getting coughs and colds, but will offer protection against the latest strains of flu.

Flu vaccination rarely causes any problems. You may have a temporary slight soreness at the injection site. Very few people get a mild fever, but this only lasts for one or two days.

You should not have a flu jab if you are allergic to any of the ingredients in the vaccine, including eggs or chicken proteins or if you have had a previous reaction to the flu jab.

Please let your practice know if you are allergic to any antibiotics before receiving the vaccine.

Make an appointment for flu vaccination now.

 

WHY SHOULD I BE CONCERNED ABOUT FLU?

While most people recover from flu after a couple of weeks, some develop life-threatening complications such as pneumonia, nerve and brain damage. You are most likely to be at risk from the complications of flu if your body is already weakened in some way.

• Do you have lung disease such as asthma, emphysema or chronic bronchitis?
• Do you have heart disease, kidney disease, chronic liver disease or diabetes?
• Are you taking chemotherapy or steroid treatment or do you have HIV/AIDS?
• Do you have Multiple Sclerosis or a related condition?
• Do you have a degenerative disease of the Central Nervous System?
• Are you the main carer for a person whose welfare may be at risk should you fall ill?
• Are you aged 65 or over?

If you can answer 'yes' to any of these, the Government recommends that you have a flu jab.

GET PROTECTED.

MAKE AN APPOINTMENT FOR FLU VACCINATION NOW

References:
NHS Direct. Health Encyclopaedia.
ealth Protection Agency. Frequently Asked Questions.
CMO Letter. The Influenza Immunisation Program 2007/8.
Influenza - the disease and vaccine. Dept of Health Publication.