Flu
Seasonal flu is a highly infectious illness caused by a flu virus. The virus infects your lungs and upper airways, causing a sudden high temperature and general aches and pains. It is vital you don't underestimate the effects of this virus as it is not the same as getting a cold and it can seriously affect your health.
Anyone can get flu, but some groups are more vulnerable than others. It is strongly recommend that pregnant women, and people who are in at risk groups, including children, contact their GP or practice nurse now, to ensure they are given their seasonal flu vaccination.
Pharmacists in Norfolk and Waveney will be offering the NHS Commissioned Seasonal Flu Immunisations from until 10 February 2013. The service will be free of charge for those aged 18-64 in an 'at-risk' group, as previously offered by GP surgeries.
The decision to offer the vaccination through pharmacies comes in an attempt to vaccinate over 70% of patients in 'at-risk' groups this year. The pharmacies chosen to offer this service have already been offering the vaccination privately for several years and are pleased to extend the service to their more vulnerable patients at no cost to the patient.
If you are unsure whether you are entitled to a free vaccination, contact one of the participating pharmacies or local GP.
In addition, you can protect yourself by practising good hand hygiene with the ‘catch it, bin it, kill it’ technique. This means carrying tissues, covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue, disposing of the tissue after one use, and cleaning hands as soon as possible with soap and water.
For a guide to flu symptoms and how to look after yourself, visit the NHS Choices website.
For advice on whether you should see your GP or look after yourself at home, use the NHS Direct symptom checker. However, if your enquiry is for a child under the age of 5, call your GP or NHS Direct on 0845 4647.
Seasonal flu – The flu vaccination - "Who should have it and why" Includes information for pregnant women
Comments