Winter Flu Campaign 2015
Winter Flu Campaign 2015
What is flu?
Influenza or flu is a viral infection that usually strikes between December
and March. It can affect people of all ages.
The first signs are a headache, sore throat and a runny nose, aching
muscles, fever and shivering. Flu makes you feel completely exhausted and
this extreme fatigue may last for two to three weeks.
You can catch flu by inhaling the virus or by handling items touched by an
infected person. The symptoms start to develop one to four days later.
Why should I be concerned about flu?
Most people who get the flu recover after a week or two, but some develop
life-threatening complications such as pneumonia, nerve or brain
damage. You are more likely to be at risk from the complications of flu if
you are in one of the 'at risk' groups and your body is already weakened.
How do I avoid getting flu?
The best way to avoid getting flu is to have a flu jab during the Autumn usually between October and November - each year. The Flu vaccination is
free of charge for people in the 'at risk' groups.
You need to have a jab each year to maintain your immunity, as the flu
virus is always changing. The jab will not stop you getting coughs and
colds, but can protect you against the latest strains of flu.
You may have a temporary slight soreness at the injection site. A few
people get a slight fever, but this is short-lived.
As the vaccine is made in chickens’ eggs, you should not have a flu jab if you
are allergic to eggs, chicken protein or if you have had a previous allergic
reaction to a flu jab. A Flu vaccination does not cause flu.
Flu vaccination is especially important if:
You are aged 65 or older - Death from influenza is most common in the
over 65s - you are more likely to have severe flu and be admitted to hospital
than younger patients.
You have had a stroke or TIA (mini stroke) - There is evidence that
receiving the annual flu vaccine reduces the risk of a stroke in patients with
a history of stroke or TIA.
You have reduced immunit y - If you are receiving chemotherapy or
steroid treatment; have no spleen; or if you have HIV/AIDS, your immune
system is already considerably weakened. Flu will further reduce your
capacity to fight infection.
You are the main Carer for an elderly or disabled person - You
should receive the flu vaccine if their welfare is at risk if you fall ill.
You have diabetes - The death rate among people with diabetes can
increase by between 5% and 15% when there is a lot of flu about.
You have chronic heart disease - People with flu may experience
changes or abnormalities in the rhythm of their heartbeat, which indicates
there is a problem with the heart muscles. Studies have indicated that
people with heart disease are less likely to have a heart attack if they have a
flu jab.
You have chronic kidney diseas e - Flu can cause dehydration which
can worsen your kidney problems.
You have chronic liver disease - You may be more susceptible to
catching flu and more likely to develop complications or worsening of your
liver disease.
You have chronic lung disease - Flu can bring on asthma attacks and
will make chronic bronchitis much worse. If you get flu, a secondary
infection like pneumonia can set in. If you go on to develop pneumonia, the
risk of developing further complications would be higher.
You are pregnant - Pregnant women, who have not already received the
H1N1 swine flu vaccine, should receive the seasonal flu vaccine. This is
because pregnant women are at increased risk from the H1N1 virus, which
is again expected to be predominant in the 2014/15 influenza season.
If you fall into any of these 'at risk' categories, please contact the
Surgery to make an appointment for a Flu Jab.
If you have any questions not answered here, please ask the Practice Nurse
or Doctor.