Flu – what harm can it do?
For most people, flu is nasty but not serious: a short period of chills, aches and pains and then a return to normal health. But some people are at greater risk from the effects of flu.
For them, flu can increase the risk of more serious illnesses such as bronchitis and pneumonia or can make existing conditions worse. In the worst cases, flu can result in a stay in hospital – or even death.
If you are at greater risk, don’t wait for winter or for a flu epidemic to ask for the jab. Arrange to see your GP or practice nurse in the autumn to get the best possible protection.
Are you at greater risk?
Even if you feel healthy, you should definitely consider having the flu jab if you have:
- a serious heart problem;
- a serious chest complaint, including asthma;
- diabetes;
- a serious kidney disease;
- lowered immunity due to disease or treatment (such as steroid medication or cancer treatment);
- a serious liver disease; or
- had a stroke or a transient ischaemic attack (TIA).
- Your GP may also advise you to have the jab if you have:
- multiple sclerosis (MS); or a condition that affects your nervous system (such as cerebral palsy).
- You should also have the jab if you are aged 65 years or over.
Why is flu risky?
Flu is not just a heavy cold. Colds are usually less serious, starting gradually with a sore throat and a stuffy or runny nose. Flu is sudden and much stronger. Symptoms include fever, chills, headaches and aching muscles, and you can get a cough and a sore throat at the same time.
Flu is highly infectious and spreads fast. You can catch the virus through the coughs and sneezes of infected people.
It reappears every winter, and this is when you are most at risk. It usually appears over a short period, so many people get ill around the same time. We can never predict how serious an outbreak will be. The viruses that cause flu change every year. So if you are in one of the groups listed, you should have a free flu jab every year to make sure that you are protected.
Do not have the flu jab if you have an allergy to hens’ eggs or if you have had a serious allergic reaction to the jab or one of its ingredients in the past. If in doubt, speak to your GP.
With thanks to the NHS and department of Health. The above information has been taken from the official NHS guidance on the flu jab.
