What is seasonal Flu?
Seasonal flu occurs every year, usually in the winter. It's a
highly infectious disease caused by a number of flu viruses. The
most likely viruses that will cause flu each year are identified in
advance and vaccines are then produced to closely match them.
As with most seasonal flu vaccines, this year's vaccine will
protect against three types of flu virus.
Isn't Flu just a heavy cold?
No. Colds are much less serious and usually start gradually with
a stuffy or runny nose and a sore throat.
How do I know when I have got the flu?
Flu symptoms hit you suddenly and sometimes severely. They
usually include fever, chills, headaches and aching muscles, and
you can often get a cough and sore throat at the same time.
Flu is caused by viruses and not bacteria, so antibiotics won't
treat it.
What harm can seasonal Flu do?
People sometimes think a bad cold is flu, but having flu can be
much worse than a cold and you may need to stay in bed for a few
days if you have flu.
Some people are more susceptible to the effects of seasonal flu.
For them it can increase the risk of developing more serious
illnesses such as bronchitis and pneumonia, or can make existing
conditions worse. In the worst cases, seasonal flu can result in a
stay in hospital, or even death.
Am I at greater risk from the effects of seasonal flu?
Even if you feel healthy, you should definitely consider having
the free seasonal flu vaccination if you have:
- a heart problem
- a chest complaint or breathing difficulties, including
bronchitis or emphysema
- a kidney disease
- lowered immunity due to disease or treatment (such as steroid
medication or cancer treatment)
- a liver disease
- had a stroke or a transient ischaemic attack (TIA)
- diabetes
- neurological condition, for example multiple sclerosis (MS) or
cerebral palsy
- a problem with your spleen, for example sickle cell disease, or
you have had your spleen removed.
Who else should consider having a seasonal Flu
vaccination?
You should have the seasonal flu vaccination if you are:
- aged 65 years or over
- living in a residential or nursing home
- the main carer of an older or disabled person
- a frontline health or social care worker, or
- pregnant (see full
details via this link)
Will I get any side effects?
There are some fairly common but mild side effects. Some people
get a slight temperature and aching muscles for a couple of days
afterwards, and your arm may feel a bit sore where you were
injected. Any other reactions are very rare.
Will the seasonal Flu vaccine protect me completely?
Most people will be protected against flu by having the
vaccination. And while the vaccine does not give 100 per cent
protection, if you have the vaccination and still go on to get flu
you are much less likely to have serious complications.
How long will I be protected for?
The vaccine should provide protection throughout the forthcoming
flu season.
What do I need to do now?
If you belong to one of the groups mentioned in this leaflet
(and you are not allergic to the vaccine), it's important that you
have your seasonal flu vaccination. The vaccines are normally
available from the beginning of October, but this depends on the
manufacturing process.
Speak to your GP or practice nurse, or alternatively your local
pharmacist, in the autumn to book a vaccination appointment and get
the best possible protection.
If you are a frontline health or social care worker, find out
what arrangements have been made at your workplace for providing
flu vaccination.
It is best to have the seasonal flu vaccination in the autumn
before any outbreaks of seasonal flu. Remember that you need it
every year, so don't assume that you don't need another vaccination
because you had one last year.
For more information about how to protect yourself and your
family this winter visit
www.nhs.uk/winterhealth