Flu is a common but unpredictable infection that circulates every winter. For most healthy people it is unpleasant but clears up on its own within about a week. For others – particularly older people, pregnant women and those with long-term health conditions – flu can be far more serious and can lead to complications that require hospital treatment. The NHS flu programme exists to protect those most at risk, and at NHA Pharmacy we are here to help you understand the programme and to keep you and your family protected.
What is flu?
Flu, short for influenza, is a viral infection of the respiratory system. It is not the same as a heavy cold. Flu tends to come on suddenly and typically causes a high temperature, aching muscles, tiredness and weakness, a dry cough, a sore throat and a headache. Symptoms usually peak after two or three days and most people begin to feel better within a week, although a lingering cough and tiredness can last longer. Flu spreads easily from person to person through coughs, sneezes and contaminated surfaces, which is why so many cases appear during the colder months.
Who is most at risk?
While anyone can catch flu, some people are more likely to develop potentially serious complications such as pneumonia, a lung infection. People at higher risk include:
- anyone aged 65 or over;
- pregnant women;
- children and adults with an underlying health condition, particularly a long-term heart or respiratory disease such as asthma, COPD or heart failure;
- children and adults with weakened immune systems;
- people living in long-stay residential care.
For these groups, an annual flu vaccination is strongly recommended because the strains of flu in circulation change from year to year.
The free NHS flu jab
The flu vaccination by injection, commonly known as the “flu jab”, is offered free of charge on the NHS each year to people who are most at risk of flu and its complications. You are eligible for a free NHS flu jab if you:
- are 65 years of age or over;
- are pregnant;
- have certain medical conditions;
- are living in a long-stay residential care home or other long-stay care facility;
- receive a carer's allowance, or are the main carer for an elderly or disabled person whose welfare may be at risk if you fall ill;
- are a healthcare worker with direct patient contact, or a social care worker.
If you are not eligible for a free NHS jab, you can still protect yourself with a private flu vaccination – please call us to find out more.
How the flu jab works
Studies have consistently shown that the flu jab works and helps prevent you from getting flu. It will not stop every flu virus and the level of protection can vary from person to person, so it is not a complete guarantee, but for people in the at-risk groups it significantly reduces the chance of becoming seriously unwell. Because flu viruses change each year, the vaccine is updated annually, which is why it is important to be vaccinated every autumn or early winter.
Protecting yourself and others
Alongside vaccination, good hygiene helps slow the spread of flu. Catching coughs and sneezes in a tissue, washing your hands regularly and binning used tissues promptly all reduce the risk of passing the virus on. If you do catch flu, rest, keep warm and drink plenty of fluids. Speak to your pharmacist about treatments that can ease your symptoms, and contact your GP or NHS 111 if you are in an at-risk group, if your symptoms are severe or do not improve, or if you are concerned.
How NHA Pharmacy can help
NHA Pharmacy offers flu vaccinations as both an NHS and a private service, and our pharmacists can advise you on whether you qualify for a free NHS jab. We can also help you manage any long-term medication for conditions that place you at higher risk from flu. To find out more about getting vaccinated, see our NHS flu vaccinations page, or contact us on 01604 654214 or at [email protected]. Our team operates Monday to Friday, 9:30am to 6:00pm.