INSIDE HOW TO STOP FLU IN ITS TRACKS
HOW CAN YOU STAY HEALTHY THIS WINTER? NISHA MAL REPORTS
COLDER weather and darker nights have started to arrive, which means coughs and sniffles are also on their way. While you can usually battle it out with a simple cold, flu is another matter – it’s highly infectious and can be passed through coughing, sneezing or by touching things infected by people who already have it.
One way to stay protected is to get the flu jab. Once immunised, the vaccine will protect your body for six to 12 months.
The jab is available now, here’s everything you need to know.
WHAT IS THE FLU JAB?
FLU shots, which are medically called influenza vaccines, stimulate your body’s immune system and encourage antibodies to attack any virus in your system.
The vaccine is usually injected into your arm. Once you are exposed to the virus, after you’ve had the injection, your immune system will recognise it and fight against it.
The most common side effects are soreness, redness, tenderness or swelling where the injection was given. Low-grade fever, headache and muscle aches also may occur, but this will soon pass.
CAN I GET A FREE FLU JAB?
THE NHS offers it free to people who are at risk of going on to develop more serious conditions if they catch flu.
CHILDREN
YOUNGSTERS aged between six months and two years with a long-term health condition are eligible for the free jab. This year the children’s flu vaccination programme is also being offered to all children aged two and three, plus pupils in reception class and school years one, two and three. Usually they are given the vaccine through a nasal spray.
If your child is aged between two and 17, and has a long-term health condition, such as diabetes, they are at higher risk of getting the flu so are also eligible for a free vaccination.
PREGNANT WOMEN
IT is also free for pregnant women, to help safeguard against complications that can arise and affect both mum and baby.
65 AND OVER
YOU are eligible for the flu vaccine if you are aged 65 and over – you must have been born on or before March 31, 1953.
People living long-term in a residential care home are also eligible.
MEDICAL CONDITIONS
THE NHS offers the jab to anyone with serious long-term health conditions including:
■ Chronic (long-term) respiratory diseases, such as asthma
■ Bronchitis or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
■ Chronic heart disease, such as heart failure
■ Chronic kidney disease
■ Chronic liver disease, such as hepatitis
■ Chronic neurological conditions, such as Parkinson’s disease or motor neurone disease ■ Diabetes
■ Problems with your spleen – for example, if you suffer from sickle cell disease or if you have had your spleen removed
■ A weakened immune system as the result of conditions such as HIV and AIDS or because you are taking medication such as steroid tablets or undergoing chemotherapy
IF I AM NOT ELIGIBLE FOR A FREE JAB CAN I STILL HAVE ONE?
YES, but you will have to pay for it and you won’t be able to have it done at your GP surgery. You can get it done at selected Tesco stores for £20. Boots also do jabs for £12.99.