Flu Campaign 2011
Q&A: Seasonal flu
risks and how to protect yourself
Flu is more than just a bad
cold and can be a serious disease, particularly for those with other
conditions which can lead to complications and further infection. Every
year in the UK about 600 people die from flu.
If you are over 65 or suffer from any of the conditions
listed below, you are entitled to a free NHS flu vaccination, as you are
at a greater risk of complications should you catch flu. Similarly, if you
have a child over six months old with one of these conditions, please
bring him or her for a vaccination too as you child's condition may get
worse if they catch flu.
Free vaccination is also available if you live
in a long-stay residential care home or if you are a carer for someone
else who would be at serious risk of harm if you were unable to support
them because of your own illness with flu.
-
Chronic respiratory disease and asthma that requires
continuous or repeated use of inhaled or systemic steroids or with
previous exacerbations requiring hospital admission
-
Chronic heart disease
-
Chronic renal disease
-
Chronic liver disease
-
Chronic neurological disease
-
Diabetes
-
Immunosuppression, e.g. as a result of another
condition or treatment
Also, if you are
pregnant, it is also strongly recommended that you have the vaccination
as there is good evidence to suggest that pregnant women have an
increased risk of developing complications if they get flu, particularly
the H1N1 (swine flu) strain.
Vaccination is a straightforward and safe form
of protection which will last a year. You can read more about flu and the
vaccination on the NHS website
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/flu/Pages/Introduction.aspx
and the Department of Health has also produced a booklet you can download:
Seasonal Flu Vaccination: who should have it and why
This year the usual “seasonal” flu vaccination
will include protection against swine flu, which is still a potential
threat, as well as against other common strains of the flu virus.
If you have questions or are unsure whether to
have the vaccine, please speak to one of our GPs or nurses. Of course
there are many website offering advice too but please make sure you use a
reliable one, such as:
NHS
Patient UK
BBC
