Have you had your flu jabs this year? It is extremely important to ensure we are getting the necessary jabs to stay safe this winter, protecting us from the flu, and other colds and viruses. Particularly in winter, flu is prominent throughout the UK. Whilst colds don’t often progress into something more serious, the flu is often much worse than the common cold.
What are symptoms of the flu?
Symptoms of the flu include, but are not limited:
- Fever
- Chills
- Headaches
- Fatigue and extreme tiredness
- Muscle aches
- Joint Pain
These symptoms usually disappear within 2-7 days in healthy individuals, but can persist for longer periods of time to those with poor health.
What causes the flu?
The flu can be easily spread through coughing, sneezing, touching infected surfaces, and can even be breathed in.
The flu is caused by the influenza virus, which infects the lungs. This means that antibiotics will not be effective at treating or preventing the flu – the best way to prevent getting the flu is to ensure you have received your vaccine.
Why are flu jabs important?
Flu jabs are essential, especially to those more susceptible to serious symptoms of cold and flu. The flu jab is recommended to anybody in the following groups:
- Anyone aged 65 and over.
- Anyone under the age of 65 (including children and babies over the age of 6 months), but have a specific medical condition.
- Pregnant women.
- Children in primary school, or aged 2 and 3.
- Anyone living in a residential or care home.
- Anybody receiving carer’s allowance, or the main carer for an older or disabled individual.
- Those living with immuno-compromised individuals.
- Front-line workers.
The flu vaccine protects individuals from new strains of the flu, that develop every year, often during the winter months. This helps the flu from developing serious symptoms, which can lead to hospitalisation, permanent disability or even death.
Thus, it is important to ensure you are receiving your flu jab in the autumn months, before flu rates begin to increase.
Where can I find my local pharmacy that provides winter jabs?
To find your local pharmacy that provides free winter jabs, please visit the NHS website here. Simply put in your postcode, and find the pharmacy closest to you.
Further information
To find out more about the importance of flu jabs, please click here.
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