Flu is a highly infectious viral infection that spreads via coughs and sneezes. In most patients it is mild, but can cause severe illness in vulnerable patients. These include older people, those with underlying health conditions, or pregnant women.
Symptoms of flu include:
- a sudden fever – a temperature of 38C or above
- an aching body
- feeling tired or exhausted
- a dry cough
- a sore throat
- a headache
- difficulty sleeping
- loss of appetite
- diarrhoea or tummy pain
- feeling sick and being sick
Flu Vaccine
The annual flu vaccine is normally available from late September onwards. It is available free on the NHS for the following patients, or those suffering from the following conditions:
- Over the age of 65
- Pregnant women
- Carers
- Asthma/COPD/emphysema/bronchitis
- Heart failure
- Chronic kidney and liver disease
- Chronic neurological conditions such as Parkinson's, Motor Neurone Disease, Cerebral Palsy or Multiple Sclerosis
- Learning disability
- Diabetes
- Sickle cell disease or those patients without a spleen
- Weakened immune system due to HIV, steroid tablet use or chemotherapy
- Overweight with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of above 40
- Preschool children aged 2-3 and primary school children
Please contact reception for further information.