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Seasonal Flu

Seasonal flu is a highly infectious illness caused by a flu virus. The virus infects your lungs and upper airways, causing a sudden high temperature and general aches and pains. It is important you don't underestimate the effects of this virus as it is not the same as getting a cold and it can seriously affect your health.

Anyone can get flu, but some groups are more vulnerable than others. For those people more at risk, seasonal flu can increase the risk of serious illness, such as pneumonia, or can make existing conditions worse. The free seasonal flu vaccination is recommended for both adults and children who have:

a heart problem
a chest complaint or breathing difficulties including bronchitis and emphysema
a kidney disease
lowered immunity due to disease or treatment (such as steroid medication or cancer treatment)
a liver disease
had a stroke or a transient ischaemic attack (TIA)
diabetes
a neurological condition e.g. multiple sclerosis (MS) or cerebral palsy
a problem with, or removal of, your spleen e.g. sickle cell disease.

You should also have the seasonal flu vaccination if you are pregnant, if you are aged 65 years or over, live in a residential or nursing home, or are the main carer for an older or disabled person

Dr Liz Robin, Director of Public Health said: “I’d like to remind people that influenza, or flu is a contagious viral infection that can lead to serious illness or even death. Anyone can get flu, but some groups are more vulnerable than others. I strongly recommend that pregnant women, and people who are in at risk groups, contact their GP or practice nurse now, to ensure they are given their seasonal flu vaccination.”

In addition, you can protect yourself by practising good hand hygiene with the‘catch it, bin it, kill it’ technique. This means carrying tissues, covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue, disposing of the tissue after one use, and cleaning hands as soon as possible with soap and water.

For a guide to flu symptoms and how to look after yourself, visit the NHS Choices website.

For advice on whether you should see your GP or look after yourself at home, use the NHS Direct symptom checker. However, if your enquiry is for a child under the age of five, call your GP or NHS Direct on 0845 4647.