Flu vaccinations will be available for the winter season from April onwards.

If you are over 65 or have a pre existing condition, these vaccinations are free.

EMPLOYERS

If you have a number of staff, we can come to you for off site flu vaccinations. Call us to organise this for you.

Phone 03 433 0710 to make a booking for your flu vaccine.

FLU FACTS

The influenza virus is more than just a bad cold, although some of the symptoms are the same. Influenza is usually much more severe.

Flu symptoms include:

• cough
• headache
• fever or chills
• body aches and pains
• fatigue
• generally feeling miserable
• diarrhoea and vomiting in children.

Influenza can lead to serious complications, particularly in people with some existing medical conditions.

Complications include:

• pneumonia
• heart failure
• worsening asthma
• death.

Immunisation is one of your best forms of protection against an influenza virus by helping prepare your immune system to fight the flu. The influenza immunisation cannot give you the flu – it contains no live viruses.

The immunisation stimulates the immune system to produce antibodies to protect against circulating influenza virus. Many other viruses are present throughout the year so people may catch a virus not in the immunisation and develop flu like symptoms and attribute them to the immunisation.

Immunisations are free for:

• those over 65
• pregnant women
• those with cardiovascular issues
• those with respiratory issues
• certain under five year olds
• diabetics
• those with cancer
• those with pre-existing conditions such as autoimmune, MS, Parkinsons, epilepsy etc.

Your nurse will be able to tell you if you qualify.

Workplace immunisations are also available on site.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU GET THE FLU

Stay at home and rest, eat normally if possible and ensure a high fluid content, especially small children if they are vomiting and have diarrhoea.

Ensure good cough hygiene – use a tissue rather than hanky and wash hands with soap after coughing and sneezing and also prior to preparing food. Coughing into the crook of the elbow is OK but the bugs still remain. Tissues are better. Take Paracetamol, Ibuprofen for pain and fever.

WHEN TO SEE A DOCTOR

If symptoms are getting worse after two or three days rather than better, if coughing up yellow, green or brown sputum.

Call a nurse if you have any concerns rather than just turning up. We have hand sanitisers at the front door for those with flu like symptoms. Report to reception immediately and tell them that you may have the flu. We will then isolate you from the rest of the waiting room to reduce the risk of infection to others.

Some patients have increased risk of developing severe flu and we would want to see these people sooner than later:

• older people (over 70)
• pregnant women
• those with lung or heart problems
• diabetics
• overweight patients
• anyone with a condition that decreases their immunity.

WHEN TO CALL AN AMBULANCE?

• if you are short of breath or struggling to breathe
• worsening pain
• spots or a rash on skin
• difficulty walking or not being able to get out of bed
• confusion.