Flu and You
Seasonal Flu 2011 
Don’t underestimate seasonal flu
Flu is a highly infectious illness that spreads rapidly through coughs and sneezes of people who are carrying the virus. It occurs every year, usually in winter.
Flu symptoms hit you suddenly and severely. They usually include fever, chills, headache and aching muscles and you often get a cough and sore throat at the same time.
Because flu is caused by a virus and not bacteria, antibiotics will not treat it.
People should not underestimate the effects of seasonal flu. It’s not the same as getting a cold. It can seriously affect your health and the risks of developing complications are greater if you have certain pre-existing medical conditions.
If you are in any of the identified risk groups below contact your GP and get your vaccination as soon as possible. Its free and effective against the latest flu strains.
- All aged 65 years and over
- Chronic respiratory disease
- Chronic heart disease
- Chronic renal disease
- Chronic liver disease
- Chronic neurological disease
- Diabetes
- Immunosuppression
- Pregnant women
- Those living on long-stay residential care homes or other long-stay care facility
- Those who are in receipt of a carers allowance, or those who are the main carer of an older or disabled person whose welfare may be at risk if the carer falls ill
In addition to the above, immunisation is provided to:
- Frontline Health and Social Care Workers (HCWs) - Employers must arrange HCW vaccination. HCWs should not generally be vaccinated by GPs
Department of Health information on who should have the flu vaccine and why is available here.
A leaflet with information on the seasonal flu vaccine is available here.
A leaflet with information for pregnant women about the seasonal flu vaccine is available here.
For the Department of Health "Catch it Bin it Kill it" poster click here.
