Seasonal Health Advice

FLU VACCINE

After Summer...Comes Winter...Comes...Flu

What is Flu?

Flu is an unpleasant infection caused by the influenza virus. For most people it means a sudden fever, shivering, aching limbs and back, headache, a sore and dry throat and persistent cough.

With bed rest, symptoms may last for up to seven days, but a feeling of weakness can last for weeks afterwards.

Flu can lay low the young and fit, who then recover and resume life as normal. For the elderly, especially if suffering from certain chronic illnesses, flu is more serious and may result in complications such as bronchitis and pneumonia.

Who is at risk from Flu?

Because flu can occur suddenly in the winter months, anyone can catch flu. However, there are three groups of people that are at considerable higher risk of post flu complications that are life threatening:

• For people at special risk from flu, those with heart, lung or kidney conditions, diabetes and the immunosuppressed, it is important to take action to avoid flu.
• You may be a fit and active 65 year old, but age alone increases the risk of complications from flu.
• People living in nursing and residential homes are also at risk as flu can spread rapidly

What can I do to avoid Flu?

For most people, a flu vaccine is the most effective protection against flu currently available. A simple flu jab can help you to avoid catching flu or at the very least it will lessen the severity of flu to a mild illness.

Remember:

• Flu vaccine can help you to avoid flu or lessen its effects.
• Flu vaccine cannot prevent already developing flu, the common cold or other chest infections and viruses that are common in the winter months.
• If you are, or think you may be, in one of the groups that are at special risk from flu, contact Redgate Medical Centre and ask when the next Flu Clinic is due.
• The 'no appointment' open clinic run by Practice Nurses Sue Johnstone, Sue Beecher and Sandy Berry will be quick and painless.
• Remember, to get in first....
• Get jabbed and reduce the risk of the winter flu.

FLU CLINIC TIMETABLE

No appointment is necessary and we will try not to keep you waiting. If you have a routine appointment booked, you may have your Flu Vaccination at the same time.

Pneumococcal (or pneumo) Vaccine

Everybody aged 80 and over should now be immunised to help protect them against pneumococcal infection which can cause diseases such as pneumonia, septicaemia (blood poisoning) and meningitis.

What is pneumococcal disease?

Pneumococcal disease is the term used to describe a range of illnesses such as pneumonia, septicaemia (blood poisoning) and meningitis (inflammation around the brain), when these are caused by the bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae.

How is it spread?

The bacteria (germs) that cause pneumococcal disease are spread by coughing, sneezing or close contact between people. The bacteria get into the nose and throat and they may stay there without doing any harm. But sometimes they can invade the lungs or bloodstream causing pneumonia and septicaemia, or they can reach the brain and cause meningitis.

How can it be prevented?

Immunisation with pneumococcal vaccine helps prevent pneumococcal disease. This vaccine has been successfully used in a number of countries, including the UK where it has been used for more than 10 years.

Who is at risk?

Everybody is at risk of getting pneumococcal disease, but the risk increases as you get older. You are particularly vulnerable if you are over 80, especially if you have a heart or lung condition, have diabetes mellitus, have no spleen or have a weakened immune system, for example, if you are having treatment for cancer. So everyone aged 80 and over is now being offered a routine pneumococcal jab.

What are the symptoms?

The symptoms of pneumococcal infection of the lungs are:

• a high fever
• coughing
• shaking chills
• breathlessness
• chest pains, and
• confusion.

The symptoms of pneumococcal meningitis are:

• a severe headache
• a stiff neck
• a high fever
• confusion, and
• being sensitive to light

You should contact your doctor if any of these symptoms is causing you concern.

Do I need to do anything to get the jab?

No, your doctor will invite you in for the jab. You can have it at the same time as your flu jab to save an extra visit. It is okay to have the two jabs at the same time. If you do not hear from your doctor's surgery, check that they have got your correct contact details.

Is it possible to get the disease from the vaccine?

No, you cannot get pneumococcal disease from the vaccine as it does not contain live bacteria.

Will there be any side effects?

Side effects are usually mild and don't last very long. Your arm may be swollen and sore where you had the injection. Very occasionally you may have a fever or muscle pain.

How often will I need this vaccine?

Most people will only need to have the vaccine once. You may need a second dose if you have certain conditions such as:

• a damaged spleen or no spleen, or
• problems with your kidneys

Talk to your doctor or practice nurse if you think this applies to you.

I think I've already had this jab. Do I need another one?

Check with your doctor or practice nurse if you think you've already had the jab. Unless you have one of the conditions listed above, you shouldn't need another jab.

Will people under 80 also be given the vaccine?

Some people who are at a higher risk from infection, such as those with other illnesses and medical conditions, are already being vaccinated against pneumococcal disease. However, as people over 80 are most at risk from pneumococcal disease a routine vaccination is being offered to everyone in this age group now. People between 65 and 80, where the risk is lower, will be vaccinated over the next few years.