FLU
VACCINATION.
Every
Autumn, a national campaign is run, offering influenza (flu) vaccination to
protect people who are at risk of serious illness should they catch flu. This
includes everyone who is 65 years old or older.
The vaccinations are given by GPs and nurses, usually in doctors' surgeries.
ABOUT
INFLUENZA (FLU)
What is
flu?
Influenza
(flu) is a highly infectious illness caused by a virus - the influenza virus. It
tends to start suddenly with symptoms such as fever, chills, headache, aching
muscles and feeling generally unwell, together with a cough or sore throat. It
is usually much more than a simple head cold, although people sometimes call a
heavy cold 'flu'. Colds are more likely to start gradually with a sore throat
and stuffy or runny nose and to be less severe.
Flu is
spread by coughs and sneezes from people who are already infected with the virus
and it can spread very rapidly.
Influenza
is around every winter. Most of it occurs within a few weeks, so that a lot of
people are ill at the same time. The viruses are always changing, so this
winter's flu will be slightly different from last winter's. If it is a very bad
year, this may amount to what is called an epidemic. How much flu there will be
each year is difficult to predict.
How
serious is flu?
For most
people, flu is a nasty experience. For some people flu can lead to more serious
illnesses such as bronchitis and pneumonia which may require treatment in
hospital. Sadly, every winter a lot of mainly older people die from influenza.
FLU
VACCINATIONWho
should be vaccinated?
You should
ask about having a flu vaccination:
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If you
are 65 years old or over
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Whatever
your age, if you have:
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a
chronic heart or chest complaint, including asthma
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chronic
kidney disease
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diabetes
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lowered
immunity due to a disease or treatment such as steroid medication or
cancer treatment
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any
other serious medical condition - check with your doctor if you are
unsure
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If
you live in an old people's home or a nursing home
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Why
shouldn't everyone have a flu vaccination?
Healthy
people don't need to be vaccinated - flu is a nuisance but not usually serious
for them, and the occasional bout of flu gives better long term protection than
a flu vaccination.
How is
the vaccine made?
Flu
vaccines contain the ingredients from three different strains of flu virus. The
viruses are grown in hens' eggs, then killed and purified before being made into
vaccine.
How
does the vaccine work?
About a
week to ten days after the vaccine is injected, your body makes antibodies to
the vaccine viruses. These antibodies help to protect you against any similar
viruses you then come into contact with. This protection lasts for about a year.
How
effective is the vaccine?
Flu
vaccinations are pretty effective. Most people who have been vaccinated will not
get the kinds of flu from which the vaccine was made (we have been getting
better at predicting which strains need to be in the vaccine each year). If you
do catch flu, it is likely to be milder than if you had not been vaccinated.
Flu
vaccinations protect against flu. They will not protect you against the many
other viruses that are around every winter. Some of these cause similar symptoms
to flu, and are often called 'flu'. But flu is generally more serious than these
other infections, so it still makes sense to have a flu vaccination.
Can
influenza vaccine cause flu?
No. The
vaccine does not contain any live virus, so it cannot cause flu.
Does
the vaccine have side effects?
Flu
vaccinations are very safe. You may get some soreness where the vaccine was
injected. Less often, people get a slight temperature and aching muscles for a
couple of days after being vaccinated. Other reactions are very rare indeed.
Is
there anyone who should not be vaccinated?
You should
not be vaccinated if you have a serious allergy to hens' eggs. Vaccination is
generally not advised if you are pregnant. If in doubt, ask your doctor.
When
is the best time to be vaccinated?
The best
time to be vaccinated is between late September and early November, ready for
the winter. You should not wait until there is a flu epidemic.
How do
I go about getting immunised?
If you
think you need a flu vaccination, check with your doctor or the practice nurse -
or if a nurse visits you regularly, you can ask them. You can also phone NHS
Direct on 0845 46 47 or visit the NHS Direct website on www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk for
more information. Alternatively ask your local pharmacist.
Most
doctors organise special vaccination sessions in the autumn. Make sure you are
able to attend one.
'Don't
get knocked out by flu - get your jab in first.'
For
more information on treating flu, look out for the companion Department of
Health leaflet What
should I do about FLU?
Swine flu information
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