Getting Prepared for Winter – Part 1: Flu Vaccinations

Flu Vaccinations – Who Are They For? How do I Get One?

Get a Flu Shot: Protect Yourself from the Flu The flu can be particularly severe for older adults, so it's essential to get an annual flu vaccination. By doing so, you reduce your risk of falling ill during the winter season. Many local healthcare providers and pharmacies offer flu shots, making it convenient to safeguard your health.

WHEN IS THE FLU SEASON?

It’s the time of year to start thinking about getting yourself vaccinated against flu.

You shouldn’t be under any illusions about the seriousness of flu. Flu isn’t just a heavy cold, it’s a highly infectious disease with symptoms that come on very quickly and bad bout of flu can be much worse than a heavy cold.

The most common symptoms of flu are fever, chills, headache, aches and pains in the joints and muscles, and extreme tiredness. Healthy individuals usually recover within 2 to 7 days, but for some the disease can be much more serious.

HOW DOES THE VACCINE HELP?

Flu vaccines help protect against the main types of flu virus circulating and can be used to protect people who are particularly vulnerable to the flu, whether through illness, age or other cause.

WHO SHOULD HAVE THE VACCINE?

If you are aged 65 years and over, you are encouraged to have the latest flu vaccine, every year, in the autumn or early winter before flu rates increase. Other people who should get the vaccine include those who are the main carer for an older or disabled person.

For advice and information about flu vaccination, speak to your GP, practice nurse or pharmacist.

WHAT CAUSES FLU?

Flu is caused by influenza viruses that infect the windpipe and lungs.

CAN ANTIBIOTICS HELP?

Because it’s caused by viruses and not bacteria, antibiotics won’t treat Fflu. However, if there are complications from getting flu, antibiotics may be needed.

HOW DO YOU CATCH FLU?

When an infected person coughs or sneezes, they spread the flu virus in tiny droplets of saliva over a wide area. These droplets can then be breathed in by other people or they can be picked up by touching surfaces where the droplets have landed.

If you have flu, you can prevent the spread of the virus by covering your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze. Avoid getting the flu by washing your hands frequently or using hand gels. But the best way to avoid catching and spreading flu is by having the vaccination before the flu season starts.

AS WELL AS OLDER PEOPLE, WHO ELSE SHOULD GET VACCINATED?

Other people who should consider having the vaccine include the seriously overweight (BMI of 40 and above) and those with long-term health conditions, such as: a heart problem; a chest complaint or serious breathing difficulties, including bronchitis, emphysema or some people with asthma; a kidney disease; lowered immunity due to disease or treatment (such as steroid medication or cancer treatment); liver disease; had a stroke or a transient ischaemic attack (TIA); diabetes; some neurological condition, such as multiple sclerosis (MS) or cerebral palsy

HOW TO GET YOUR VACCINATION

If you belong to one of the groups mentioned above, it’s important that you have your flu vaccination. Speak to your GP or practice nurse, or alternatively your local pharmacist, to book a vaccination appointment.