WHAT IS FLU?

Influenza (flu) is a viral infection that can affect us at any age and strikes mainly during the winter months. We catch it by breathing in droplets in the air that contain the virus. Typically, the symptoms start to develop one to three days later, with the first signs being headache, a sore throat and runny nose, aching muscles, fever and shivering. Flu causes complete exhaustion and this extreme fatigue may last for two to three weeks.

REASONS TO BE CONCERNED ABOUT FLU

While most of us recover from flu after a couple of weeks, some of us will develop life-threatening complications such as pneumonia, nerve and brain damage. These complications are more likely to occur if our bodies are already weakened in some way.

• Do you have lung disease such as severe asthma, emphysema or chronic bronchitis?
• Do you have heart disease, kidney disease, chronic liver disease or diabetes?
• Are you receiving 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 an elderly or disabled person whose welfare may be at risk should you fall ill?
• Do you work with poultry?
• Are you aged 65 or over?

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

THOSE OF US AT INCREASED RISK FROM FLU INCLUDE:

People aged 65 and over
Anyone can get flu but it is more serious for people aged 65 years and over.

Flu hits older people the hardest and hospital admissions for the elderly increase during the flu period with many more people ending up in hospital with complications such as stroke or heart disease.

Chronic Respiratory Disease
Including, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), chronic bronchitis and emphysema, bronchiectasis, cystic fibrosis, interstitial lung fibrosis, pneumoconiosis and bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD).

Asthma
People that suffer with asthma that requires continuous or repeated use of inhaled systemic steroids.
Or if you have been admitted to hospital because of asthma.

Kidney illnesses
Anyone suffering from any serious kidney illness is at increased risk from flu including:
Nephrotic syndrome, chronic renal failure and renal transplantation

Diabetes
People suffering with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes requiring oral hypoglycaemic drugs and diet controlled diabetes

Heart Disease
Including congenital heart disease, hypertension with cardiac complications and chronic heart failure

Chronic Liver Disease
Including liver cirrhosis, biliary atresia and chronic hepatitis

Main Carers for the Elderly or Disabled
If you are the main carer for an elderly or disabled person, their well-being could be placed at risk should you fall ill as it may be difficult for you to continue to look after that person.

Poultry Workers
Those who work in close contact with poultry should be immunised to reduce their risk of contracting both human and avian flu simultaneously.

Low Immunity
Those of us that have no spleen or are taking chemotherapy or steroid treatment or have HIV/ AIDS have immune systems that are weakened.

Do I need a flu jab every year?
Yes. The viruses that cause flu change every year. Before each flu season, the vaccine is prepared with the most current types of influenza in order to maximise its effectiveness for the coming winter.

Can the flu jab cause flu?
No. The vaccine doesn't contain any live virus, so it can't cause flu.

I had flu last year after having the jab
The vaccine can take a couple of weeks to work, so you could have caught flu before the vaccine gave you protection. A few people might not be fully protected by the vaccine, but if they do catch flu, it's likely to be milder. Flu vaccine only protects against flu. It can't - for example - give protection from other viruses, such as those that cause colds.

Are there any side effects with the vaccine?
Slight temperature or aching muscles affect some people for a couple of days afterwards and your arm may feel a bit sore where you were injected. Other reactions are very rare. The nurse will give you a leaflet with more information when you have the vaccine.

How effective is the vaccine and how long will it last?
Flu vaccinations are 70-80% effective in most years, and this protection lasts for about a year.

Are there any people who shouldn't have the flu jab?
Yes, people who are allergic to any of the ingredients in the vaccine, including eggs, chicken protein or those who have had a previous reaction to the vaccine. If you are unsure whether the vaccine is suitable for you, check with the nurse or doctor.

When should I receive my jab?
From September to December, ready for the winter season.

Should I make an appointment with the doctor?
The vaccine is usually given by the nurse. We hold special flu clinics so that we can efficiently immunise everyone who needs to be vaccinated. Make your appointment at one of these sessions as this will make the best use of the practice nurses' time.

How long will it take?
Vaccination is very quick. Afterwards you may need to remain in the surgery for a short time, just to make sure you do not react to it.