FLU BY NUMBERS FACTSHEET
Don’t underestimate seasonal flu
In support of the Scottish Government’s recently launched campaign to encourage at risk groups
to get their free annual seasonal flu jab, here are some figures you need to know about seasonal
flu and the jab that can help prevent weeks of illness, and potentially even save your life.
Even if you feel healthy, you should definitely consider having the free seasonal flu vaccine if you
have diabetes, heart or lung disease or other serious health condition. Some people who are
entitled to the seasonal flu vaccination may also be offered the H1N1 vaccination this year. If you’re
offered both, it’s important that you take them both to make sure you fully protect yourself.
NUMBERS….
15% - In the average year, up to 15% of the population will get seasonal flu. Seasonal flu is a
highly infectious disease caused by a virus. For those people more at risk, seasonal flu can
increase the risk of serious illness, such as pneumonia, or make existing conditions worse.
65+ -
If you are 65 or over, you are at increased risk of developing serious complications as a
result of the virus and are eligible for a free seasonal flu jab from your local GP.
6 months – 65 – Adults (including pregnant women) and children aged six months to 65 years
who suffer from long term conditions such as heart disease, diabetes or a chest complaint or
breathing difficulties are eligible for the free jab.
74% - The percentage of people in Scotland aged 65 and over who had the seasonal flu jab in
2008-2009.
47% - The percentage of at risk individuals under the age of 65 in Scotland who had the
seasonal flu jab in 2008-2009.
70 to 80% - Most people who have the seasonal flu vaccination will not get seasonal flu. Out of
every 100 people who have the jab, 70-80 will be protected, while some others may get milder
symptoms.
38°C / 100.4°F – Patients with seasonal flu typically have a fever or a high temperature over 38°C
/ 100.4°F.
80 – miles per hour, the speed at which the seasonal flu virus travels when you sneeze. If you do
feel the urge, you're best off sneezing into a tissue and then disposing of it promptly and washing
your hands.
4 – Seasonal flu peaks every winter over four months – December to March- which is why the
Scottish Government is urging those in the at risk groups to make sure they get their free jab now
before seasonal flu starts to circulate.
1 – One vaccination every year is all it takes to help protect yourselves from seasonal flu if you
are in an at-risk group. Those who got the seasonal flu vaccine last year will need a new jab this
winter.
For further information about seasonal flu visit http://infoscotland.com/flu
ENDS
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EDITOR’S NOTES
As well as those aged 65 and over, the at-risk categories for seasonal flu are adults and children
aged six months to 65 years who have:
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A heart problem
A chest complaint or breathing difficulties such as bronchitis or emphysema
A kidney disease
Lowered immunity due to disease or treatment such as steroid treatment or cancer
treatment
A liver disease
Had a stroke or a transient ischaemic attack (TIA)
Diabetes
A neurological condition such as multiple sclerosis (MS) or cerebral palsy
For further information about seasonal flu visit http://infoscotland.com/flu
Issued on behalf of the Scottish Government by COI News and PR. For more information,
contact Dawn Holroyd, Tel: 0131 244 9061 / 07714 520 867, e-mail:
dawn.holroyd@coi.gsi.gov.uk