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Birmingham & District Tinnitus Group
This is printed as part of a series of occasional papers produced by
BIRMINGHAM & DISTRICT TINNITUS GROUP presenting a variety of points to
offer information and support for our members
Flu
Paper Compiled by Ann Perry
We welcome any measures which can be taken to avoid the exacerbation
of tinnitus and so we remind members annually of the NHS provision for
flu protection.
Every autumn a national campaign is run, offering influenza (flu)
vaccinations to protect people who are at risk of serious illness should
they catch flu. This includes everyone who is 65 years of age or older.
The vaccinations are given by GPs and nurses, usually in doctors’
surgeries.
About Influenza (FLU) - A Department of Health Leaflet
What is flu?
Influenza (flu) is a highly infectious illness caused by a virus - the
influenza virus. It tends to start suddenly with symptoms such as fever,
chills, headache, aching muscles and feeling generally unwell, together
with a cough or sore throat. It is usually much more than a simple head
cold, although people sometimes call a heavy cold “flu”. Colds are more
likely to start gradually with a sore throat and stuffy or runny nose
and to be less severe.
Flu is spread by coughs and sneezes from people who are already infected
with the virus and it can spread very rapidly.
Influenza is around every winter. Most of it occurs within a few weeks,
so that a lot of people are ill at the same time. The viruses are always
changing, so this winter’s flu will be slightly different from last
winter’s. If it is a very bad year, this may amount to what is called an
epidemic. How much flu there will be each year is difficult to predict.
How serious is flu ?
For most people, flu is a nasty experience. For some people flu can
lead to more serious illnesses such as bronchitis and pneumonia which
may require treatment in hospital. Sadly, every winter a lot of mainly
older people die from influenza.
Flu Vaccination - Who should be vaccinated ?
You should ask about having a flu vaccination :
- if you are 65 years old or over
- Whatever your age, if you have :
- a chronic heart or chest complaint, including asthma
- chronic kidney disease
- diabetes
- lowered immunity due to a disease or treatment such as steroid
medication or cancer treatment
- any other serious medical condition - check with your doctor if
you are unsure
- if you live in an old people’s home or nursing home.
Why shouldn’t everyone have a flu vaccination ?
Healthy people don’t need to be vaccinated - flu is a nuisance but not
usually serious for them, and the occasional bout of flu gives better
long term protection than a flu vaccination.
How is the vaccine made ?
Flu vaccines contain the ingredients from three different strains of flu
virus. The viruses are grown on eggs, then killed and purified before
being made into a vaccine.
How does the vaccine work ?
About a week to ten days after the vaccine is injected, your body makes
antibodies to the vaccine viruses. These antibodies help to protect you
against any similar viruses you then come into contact with. This
protection lasts for about a year
How effective is the vaccine ?
Flu vaccinations are pretty effective. Most people who have been
vaccinated will not get the kinds of flu from which the vaccine was made
(we have been getting better at predicting which strains need to be in
the vaccine each year). If you do catch flu, it is likely to be milder
than if you had not been vaccinated.
Flu vaccinations protect against flu. They will not protect you against
the many other viruses that are around every winter. Some of these cause
similar symptoms to flu, and are often called “flu”. But flu is
generally more serious then these other infections, so it still makes
sense to have a flu vaccination.
Can influenza vaccine cause flu ?
No. The vaccine does not contain any live virus, so it cannot cause flu.
Does the vaccine have side effects ?
Flu vaccinations are very safe. You may get some soreness where the
vaccine was injected. Less often, people get a slight temperature and
aching muscles for a couple of days after being vaccinated. Other
reactions are very rare indeed.
Is there anyone who should not be vaccinated ?
You should not be vaccinated if you have a serious allergy to hen’s
eggs. Vaccination is generally not advised if you are pregnant. If in
doubt, ask your doctor.
When is the best time to be vaccinated ?
The best time to be vaccinated is between late September and early
November, ready for the winter. You should not wait until there is a flu
epidemic.
How do I go about getting immunised ?
If you think you need a flu vaccination, check with your doctor or the
practice nurse - or if a nurse visits you regularly, you can ask them.
You can phone NHS DIRECT on 0845 46 47 or visit its website on
www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk for more information. Alternatively, ask your
local pharmacist. Most doctors organise special vaccination sessions in
the autumn. Make sure you are able to attend one.
A companion leaflet, “What should I do about flu?” is free from : DoH,
PO Box 77, London SE1 6XH
September 2003
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