What is “The Flu”?

The Flu (Influenza) is a viral infection of the throat, lungs and nose.  More than 10% of people living in USA are affected each year.  Although seen as a “non-serious” condition by the general public, more than 35,000 people die either directly from the flu or from medical complications arising from it.

The Flu’s symptoms can cause sore throats, tiredness, runny noses and headaches. At the extreme end of the scale you could catch pneumonia.

Who is more likely to catch the flu?

• People in the following categories should have a flu jab yearly:
• Children aged 6 months – 18 years
• Adults older than 60
• Females who intend to get pregnant
• People who either live or work in nursing homes or hospitals
• People who live (or work) with children under 1 year old
• People who have respiratory problems

Is the Flu Vaccine safe for me to take?

Absolutely. The worst you can expect is a sore spot on your arm for a day or two. Many people are wary of needles, but if you look away you will not even feel it enter your skin. It is completely painless. If you distract a child while they get it, the chances are they will never know they even had it.

If I’ve had the vaccine, can I still catch it?

Unfortunately, yes. No vaccine can protect you completely but it is extremely unlikely you will catch it if you have had the jab.  Every year government scientists choose 3 strains of the common Flu virus that are most likely to spread.  These are used in the vaccine. Provided the scientists are correct in their estimates, anyone under 65 years old is 95% likely to escape without catching the flu.