What is ‘The Flu’?

Influenza is an extremely infectious acute respiratory illness caused by the flu virus.

Affecting people of all ages, there are flu outbreaks almost every year and, on rare occasions, reaching epidemic proportions. 

These outbreaks usually occur in winter, which makes them seasonal infections.

 

 

 

Who should get the vaccine?

  • We would suggest in most cases, everyone, especially those in high-risk groups.
  • This includes pregnancy, immunocompromised, children aged 6 months-12, people aged 65+, people with long-term illness '  etc. 
  • Children between the ages of 2 and 12 will get the vaccine through an intranasal (up the nose) spray, reducing discomfort and making the procedure easier for everybody. 
  • If they have not had the vaccine before, children between 6 months and 9 years old will be required to have 2 separate flu vaccines, administered 4 weeks apart.
  • We recommend that you wait 4 weeks from having your last Covid-19 vaccine to get the Flu vaccine.

 

Is catching the Flu serious?

 Flu is generally self-limiting with a 2-7 day recovery period for most people. However, for the very young and elderly people who are more vulnerable, the flu can be severe and, in some cases, result in death.   Serious respiratory complications can develop, including pneumonia and bronchitis, to which older people and those with certain chronic medical conditions are particularly susceptible. Pregnant women also fall into the risk category of the complications of flu. Hospitalization may be necessary for some people, and recent statistics show that there are between 200 and 500 deaths, mainly in older people. as a result of influenza each winter.

 

How is the flu transmitted?

 Flu is extremely infectious. The virus can be spread from person to person by coughing or sneezing. It can be transmitted from 1-2 days before the development of symptoms and for up to a week following the development of the flu.

 

 What are the symptoms of Flu?

 The onset of symptoms can be sudden and severe and include:

  • Sudden fever
  • Chills
  • Headache
  • Muscle pain
  • Sore throat,
  • Non-productive dry cough.

 

How do I know if I have Covid or the Flu?

As symptoms are similar, it can be difficult at times to tell between the common cold, covid-19 and flu. The common cold is not as severe an illness as the flu. The onset of flu symptoms is sudden with fevers and muscle aches. The common cold generally begins gradually with a sore throat and a blocked or runny nose. If you suspect you may have covid- we suggest you take a test t home and isolate for the required period or until your test i clear

 

Who are the most at risk from the flu virus?

Anyone can get the flu but anyone suffering from a chronic medical condition, those aged 65 years or over, and pregnant women are more at risk of the complications of the flu virus. Chronic medical conditions include chronic heart conditions, chronic respiratory disease, diabetes mellitus, and immunosuppression due to disease or treatment.

 

How can flu be prevented?

Vaccination can prevent flu. The vaccine is safe and an effective way to help prevent infection from the flu virus, avoiding hospitalisation, reducing flu-related deaths and illnesses. Additionally, if you have the vaccine, you reduce the risk of spreading the flu virus to your family and friends.

 

What is the seasonal (annual) flu vaccine?

Each year the seasonal (annual) flu vaccine contains three common flu virus strains. The flu virus changes each year this is why a new flu vaccine has to be given each year.

 

How does the vaccine work?

When a vaccine is administered, antibodies to the virus are produced in the person’s system.  These antibodies will attack the virus when the vaccinated person comes into contact with someone who has the flu, effectively fighting off the virus.

 

How effective is the seasonal flu vaccine?

This year's flu vaccine is expected to be up to 90% effective.

 

 How long is the flu season?

The flu season lasts from October to the end of April In the Northern Hemisphere. It is recommended that all those in the risk group, i.e. 65+ years of age, young children and pregnant women, can be vaccinated up until the end of April.

 

Is the Flu Vaccine Safe?

Yes.  For over 60 years, millions have been vaccinated worldwide.  Any reactions are usually mild with severe side effects being very rare.

  

Is thiomersal used in the flu vaccine? 

Some people are concerned about the use of thiomersal, a mercury-containing compound used to prevent bacterial and fungal growth in some vaccines during storage. However, thiomersal is not used in the flue vaccine. No. There is no thiomersal in the vaccine used in the 2015/2016 flu campaign.

 

Will I get the flu following the flu vaccine?

 No, the flu vaccine contains dead or inactive viruses and cannot cause flu. However, be aware that it takes 10 - 14 days for the vaccine to start protecting against flu.

 

When is the optimum time to be vaccinated?

 The end of September/October is the best time to be vaccinated annually.

 

Will there be side effects from the vaccination?

Commonly side effects will be mild and may include soreness, redness, or swelling at the injection site. Some may experience slight headaches, fever, aches, or tiredness. Some people may experience mild sweating and shivering as their immune system responds to the vaccine but this is not flu and will pass in a day or so.

 

When will the vaccine start working?

10-14 days is the expected time for the vaccine to begin protecting against flu.

 

Who should NOT get the flu vaccine?

The vaccine should not be given to those with a history of severe allergic (anaphylaxis) reaction to a previous dose of the vaccine or any of its constituents.

 

Can people with egg allergies receive the flu vaccine?

Those with confirmed egg anaphylaxis and non-anaphylactic egg allergy can be given an influenza vaccine with an ovalbumin content <0.1μg per dose.

Inactivated Influenza vaccine (Split Virion) BP (Sanofi Pasteur) contains less than 0.1μg ovalbumin per dose and so can be administered in accordance with the Table below.

 

When should vaccination be postponed?

There are very few reasons why vaccination should be postponed. Vaccination should be re-scheduled if you have an acute illness with a temperature greater than 38°C or if you have had a covid vaccine less than 4 weeks prior. 

 

Things to remember

  • For those 65+ or those who have a long-term medical condition, it is advisable to consult your medical advisor about the pneumococcal vaccine which protects against pneumonia, if you have not previously received it.
  • A once-only booster vaccination is recommended 5 years after the first vaccination for those;
  • Aged 65 years and older if they received the vaccine more than 5 years before and were less than 65 years of age at the time of the first dose,
  • Less than 65 years of age and whose antibody levels are likely to decline rapidly e.g. asplenia, hyposplenism, immunosuppression, chronic renal disease or renal transplant.

 

 Finally, look after yourself this winter.

  • Eat healthily and try to make one of your daily meals a hot one.
  • Keep yourself warm: wear several layers when outside and keep at least one room heated during the day.
  • Keep as active as you possibly can.
  • Go to your pharmacy or doctor and get your flu vaccination.