1) This year is likely to be a bad one for the flu:
One of England’s top medics, Dr Susan Hopkins of Public Health England warned that this year, we need to be especially vigilant.
2) Flu is not a bad cold.
It’s a debilitating viral infection, and because of that, it can’t be dealt with antibiotics. Its common features include fever, chills, headache, aches, and pains in the joints and muscles, and extreme tiredness. Healthy individuals usually recover within seven days, but for some, it may drag on, lead hospitalisation, permanent disability, or even in worse cases, death.
3) Flu is highly contagious!
It causes hundreds of thousands of hospitalisations and deaths each year. The vaccine is available every year. A flu vaccine can reduce your chances of getting flu by up to 60%. Some additional complications from flu can include sinusitis, ear infections, pneumonia, and sepsis
Some groups should not take it including babies and those with egg allergies, but on the whole, it’s super safe.
5) What does the vaccine contain?
The vaccine doesn't contain live flu viruses and therefore cannot result in a case of the flu. Essentially egg protein, but vegan versions can be found. Since 2018-19, a new vaccine has been developed using cell culture instead of eggs. This vaccine is less likely to adapt as it has been developed Since 2018-19, a new vaccine has been developed using cell cultures similar to human cells.
6) Are there any common side effects of the vaccine?
Thankfully, side effects are not common but of course, some people do have them. On the whole, they tend to be mild and short-lived. The most common is a reaction at the injection site – so a soreness or slight swelling for a few days. Other side effects are headaches or some pains in muscles. Again, this is usually just a few days. Some people might experience dizziness and fainting, but that’s rare. Having a small snack before your shot might help. A slight fever (around 38 degrees) is considered a mild side effect and again disappears after a short while.
7) How is flu caused?
In its simplest, the influenza virus infects the windpipe and lungs. It’s caused by a virus and not bacteria, so antibiotics won’t work. If you have any concerns, we’re happy to help at CitiHealth.
8) How do you catch the flu?
Flu is very contagious. When you’ve been around anyone infected, you might breathe in tiny droplets of infected air whenever they sneeze or cough. Even touching the same surfaces as they have would do it. It’s highly infectious.
9) When is flu season?
Flu season starts in October and runs until May. It’s, therefore, best to have the vaccine from late September or early October. The flu vaccine for each winter helps protect against the strains of flu that are likely to be present and may be different from those circulating last year.
10) Widespread use of the flu vaccination could save up to £28.9 million in averted sick day costs, in addition to increased productivity at work.
Private companies can reserve their vaccines now, help to protect their staff, and ease the burden on the NHS.
Ask you HR Department about workplace flu vaccinations.
https://www.citihealth.co.uk/flu-vaccinations
