Influenza / Flu:

A viral illness spread from person to person by breathing in droplets from an infected person's airways
Symptoms of the Flu take 1-4 days to develop after exposure to the virus
Symptoms usually last about 4 days but may last longer
There is no cure but symptoms can be made tolerable

Symptoms & Signs of Flu:

Fever, shivering, tiredness
Headaches and general aches & pains
Dry cough

Treatment of Symptoms & Signs:

Drink lots of fluids to prevent dehydration
Take Paracetamol to reduce temperature and relieve aches and pains (but do not take other products containing paracetamol at the same time)
Inhale steam

Complications of the Flu

Bacterial infection on top of the VIRAL infection
Pneumonia/chest infection - this can be serious and cause death

Flu Jabs:

Who should have one?
Why should I have one?
When should it be given?
How do I get a flu jab?

Who should have a Flu Jab ?

Those of any age, but especially the elderly, who have any of the following:

Chronic chest/lung disease (including asthma)
Chronic heart disease
Diabetes or any other endocrine disorder
Chronic kidney disease/failure
Reduced immune system - either due to disease or certain treatments
Those living in Residential Homes (rapid spread of the Flu is likely)
Everyone over the age of 65
There is no need for fit children and adults to have a Flu jab

Why should I have a Flu Jab ?

It can give 70 - 80% protection against infection by the Flu virus
It reduces the likelihood of pneumonia/chest infection
It reduces the likelihood of hospital admission
It reduces the likelihood of death due to complications of the Flu

When should the Flu Jabs be given ?

Protection against the Flu may take 10-14 days to develop after having the Flu jab
October/Early November is the ideal time to get the Flu jab
Protection can be expected to last throughout the Winter
You should have a Flu jab every year

How do I get a Flu Jab at Wellway ?

A letter is sent every year in Autumn to those patients we feel require a Flu jab, offering an appointment with the Nurse
If you receive a letter and are unable to keep the appointment or do not wish to have the Flu jab, please telephone the surgery

Common myths about Flu Jabs:

Flu jabs contain inactivated virus and thus cannot cause the influenza/flu
But sometimes they can cause a little soreness at the injection site and rarely fever/tiredness/muscle pains approximately 6-12 hours after the jab
Flu-like illness can be caused by many other viruses - Flu jabs will not prevent these
There are many strains of Flu/influenza viruses. Flu jabs will not prevent all types but give some protection against those strains most likely to cause a problem in the forthcoming Winter

Disclaimer: This page is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice or substituted for professional advice. Always consult your doctor with your questions and concerns.