Karyn Probert NHS Gloucestershire CCG Seasonal Flu Karyn Probert NHS Gloucestershire CCG

Flu The aim of the influenza immunisation is to protect those who are most at risk of serious illness or death should they develop influenza and reducing transmission of the infection, thereby contributing to the protection of vulnerable individuals who may have a suboptimal response to their own immunisation. .

Flu- what is it? Influenza is an acute viral infection of the respiratory tract , antibiotics will not help. Sudden onset of fever, chills, headache and extreme fatigue. Other common symptoms include a dry cough, sore throat and stuffy nose.

Flu The flu virus is constantly mutating and so it is necessary to formulate each season’s flu vaccine for the flu vaccination programme to match the strains likely to be circulating the following winter. The WHO therefore monitors the flu viruses throughout the world in order to make recommendations about the strains to be included in flu vaccines for the coming winter. Last season perfectly matched strain in the vaccine to the strain circulating This year California, Hong Kong and Brisbane strain have been recommended by WHO

Flu- those at risk Children under six months of age, Children aged 2-7 Over 65yrs Health conditions such as respiratory disease, or cardiac disease or immunosuppression Pregnant women Others advised to have immunisation Residential care homes Carers Health Professionals

If you are not in the at risk group and you think you have flu… • stay at home and rest • drink plenty of fluids • seek advice from a pharmacist about the best remedy for your symptoms • consider taking the appropriate dose of paracetamol/ibuprofen-based painkillers or cold remedies to lower your temperature and relieve your symptoms. • avoid visiting GP surgeries and hospitals where you may infect other more vulnerable people

Flu Myths People don’t die of flu The vaccine isn’t safe The flu vaccine gives me flu The side effects of flu vaccine are worse than flu All health professionals do not need flu vaccination as they build up a resistance to it I only need to have the flu vaccine once in my lifetime The flu vaccine doesn’t work The flu vaccine cannot be given to pregnant women A good diet will protect me against flu Washing my hands will stop the flu I’ve never had flu before so I’m immune All authorised Flu vaccines need to meet safety and quality criteria set by the European Medicines Agency (EMA), with the assessment of efficiency based on meeting or exceeding indicated requirements of the vaccine

Flu Myths Antivirals are replacing the flu vaccine I don’t want the injectable flu vaccine so I can have the nasal spray People can only spread the flu when they are showing symptoms such as sneezing or feeling unwell The flu vaccine provides immediate protection against the flu If you haven’t been vaccinated by November, it’s too late I’ve already had flu this year so I don’t need a vaccination A patient received the vaccine in April so they don’t need it again this flu season