Protect yourself against flu this winter
What you need to know about Flu
- Flu spreads by particles moving in the air and it is therefore important to cover your mouth when sneezing, use tissues and flush them away after use.
- Handles on doors can be the most common place to pass over contamination.
- Hands should be washed or sanitised after every sneeze.
- Anyone who is thought to have Flu Symptoms or Swine Flu should try to remain away from Public Places and away from close Family members.
The flu can:
1. Confine you to your bed for up to 1 week
2. Affect your immune system so you are more likely to contract other illnesses
3. Mean you have to take time off work which you can ill afford to lose.
4. In some situations complications can arise result if you subsequently catch Pneumonia which is a potentially serious condition.
5. Flu is more serious if caught by those in the ‘at risk groups’ e.g. those over the age of 65, those with immuno-compromised bodies (due to effect of chronic illness), pregnant women, children under 5 etc.
What should you do?
- If you would like a Flu Vaccination please phone us tobook an appointment with one of our Practice Nurses.
- Flu virus starts to spread in October and can continue until the following March, so now is the best time to have your vaccination.
- This year’s vaccine provides protection against 5 strains of flu including the H1N1 Swine Flu Virus.
- For more information about Flu please email us by clicking here and asking for our Free Flu Information Sheet.
In Addition:
- We recommend you consider having the Pneumovax Vaccine which helps to prevent against certain strains of pneumonia and meningitis.
- Sometimes it is the superimposed infections of pneumonia and meningitis that can cause major problems rather than just the flu itself.
- The Pneumovax vaccination is available for £30 and can offer protection for up to 5 years.
- For more information about the Pneumovax Vaccine please email us by clicking here or complete the ‘Contact Us’ box opposite and ask for our Free Pneumovax Information Sheet.
What should I do if I catch the flu?
- If you are unfortunate enough to catch Flu this winter you may wish to reduce the severity of the illness by having the anti viral drug Tamiflu available.
- Tamiflu is available from the Practice.