Protect your health this winter by getting a flu shot

Because the flu is caused by a virus and not bacteria, antibiotics won’t treat it.  Anyone can get the flu, but it can be more serious for certain people, such as people aged 65 or over or people who have a serious medical condition

If you are in one of these groups, you’re more vulnerable to the effects of seasonal flu (even if you’re fit and healthy) and could develop a more serious illness, such as bronchitis and pneumonia, which could result in hospitalization.

Flu can also make existing medical conditions worse.

Get the shot

The best time of the year to get a flu vaccination is in the autumn. It’s usually free from a doctor’s office or health provider, and it’s effective against the latest flu virus strains.

Even if you’ve already had a flu shot in previous years, you need another one this year. The flu shot may only protect you for a year. This is because the viruses that cause flu are always changing.

See your doctor about the flu shot if you’re 65 or over, or if you have any of the following problems (however old you are):

• a serious heart complaint
• a chest complaint or breathing difficulties, including asthma, bronchitis and emphysema
• serious kidney disease
• diabetes
• lowered immunity due to disease or treatment such as steroid medication or cancer treatment
• if you have a problem with your spleen or you have had your spleen removed
• if you have ever had a stroke

Your doctor may advise you to have a flu shot if you have serious liver disease, multiple sclerosis (MS) or some other diseases of the nervous system.

If you think you may need a flu vaccination, check with your doctor, nurse or your local pharmacist. If a nurse visits you regularly, ask about getting your flu vaccination.

The pneumo shot

When you see your doctor for a seasonal flu shot, ask whether you also need the ‘pneumo shot’ to protect you against some forms of pneumococcal infection. It’s a good idea for everyone aged 65 or over, and for younger people with some serious medical conditions.

Caregivers

If you’re the caregiver of an elderly or disabled person, make sure they’ve had their flu shot. As a caregiver, you should receive a flu shot too. Ask your doctor for advice, or for more information about the flu shot.

How effective is it?

No vaccine is 100% effective, however,  people who have had the flu shot are less likely to get the flu. If you do get the flu despite having the flu shot , it will probably be milder than if you haven’t been vaccinated.

The flu shot doesn’t cause flu as it doesn’t contain live viruses. However, you may experience side effects after having the shot, such as a temperature and aching muscles for a couple of days afterwards. Your arm may feel sore at the site where you were injected. More severe reactions are rare.

The flu vaccine only protects against the flu, but not other illnesses caused by other viruses, such as the common cold.

Who shouldn’t have it?

You should not be given the flu vaccination if you have had a serious reaction to a flu vaccination before.

If you have a high temperature, the vaccination may be postponed until you are better.

Speak to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist if you have any further questions.