Seasonal Flu
Influenza occurs most often in winter and usually peaks between December and March in the northern hemisphere.
The young have a greater risk of being infected because they have not developed immunity to the virus.
The elderly have a greater risk of the severe complications of infection such as pneumonia, because they often have underlying diseases, which reduce their resistance to infection. The immune response may also be less effective in elderly persons.
The high-risk groups include individuals whose respiratory, cardiac or immune systems make them more vulnerable to flu and more likely to suffer severe illness.
Routine vaccination offers the best protection and people who are at high risk of infection should be vaccinated. It is difficult to avoid infection if there is an epidemic. Keeping away from crowded places can reduce the risk of becoming infected and spreading it to others. A previous flu infection or vaccination will not necessarily provide protection against further infections because the virus is continually changing genetically and different subtypes circulate each winter.
Health Service advice is that you need a flu vaccination if you have:
- A chronic heart or chest complaint including asthma
- Chronic kidney disease
- Diabetes
- Lowered immunity due to disease or treatment such as steroid medication or cancer treatment
- Any other serious medical condition - check with your doctor if you are unsure.
This applies whatever your age. If in doubt ask your doctor.
Vaccination is also recommended for anyone aged 65 years or more, and for people living in places such as residential homes for the elderly and nursing homes where there is a high risk of flu spreading quickly.
If you do catch flu, the following measures are for your own health and to avoid spreading the illness to others:
- Stay at home and rest.
- Take medicines such as aspirin, ibuprofen or paracetamol to relieve the symptoms (following the instructions with the medicines) Children under 16 must not be given aspirin or ready made flu remedies containing aspirin.
- Drink plenty of fluids.
further information
- Visit www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk
- Go to NHS Direct Interactive on digital satellite TV by pressing the interactive button on the remote control.
- Call NHS Direct on 0845 4647 (calls charged at local rates).
- Visit NHS Immunisation information
- Visit the Health Protection Agency
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