We are well underway planning this year’s flu vaccination campaign!
We have ordered your flu vaccine already and will have it waiting for you. All eligible patients will be able to receive their vaccines with us at the surgery. However, please wait to be contacted by us with more information on how and when you can access this vaccination. We will be in touch via your preferred communication method shortly. Watch this space!
Flu is a common infectious viral illness spread by coughs and sneezes. It can be very unpleasant, but you’ll usually begin to feel better within about a week.
You can catch flu – short for influenza – all year round, but it’s especially common in winter, which is why it’s also known as “seasonal flu”.
It’s not the same as the common cold. Flu is caused by a different group of viruses and the symptoms tend to start more suddenly, be more severe and last longer.
Some of the main symptoms of flu include:
Cold-like symptoms – such as a blocked or runny nose, sneezing, and a sore throat – can also be caused by flu, but they tend to be less severe than the other symptoms you have.
Flu can make you feel so exhausted and unwell that you have to stay in bed and rest until you feel better.
If you’re otherwise fit and healthy, there’s usually no need to see a doctor if you have flu-like symptoms.
The best remedy is to rest at home, keep warm and drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration. You can take paracetamol or ibuprofen to lower a high temperature and relieve aches if necessary.
Stay off work or school until you’re feeling better. For most people, this will take about a week.
A flu vaccine is available for free on the NHS for all those who:
An annual flu vaccine nasal spray is also offered to healthy children aged two and three, and to children in reception class and school years one, two, three and four.
You should have the flu vaccination every year so you stay protected, as the viruses that cause flu change every year.
