Now that the hot temperatures of the summer have dipped, it is important to get prepared for the colder months by protecting yourself against seasonal viruses.
Influenza, or flu, as it is often known, is one of the most important to consider, as this can be very dangerous for certain groups of people, and spreads very quickly during the autumn and winter.
Fortunately, the NHS offers a free vaccination service at Jersey Farm pharmacy and other chemists around the country for those who are eligible.
Flu: What it is and how it spreads
Flu is caused by influenza viruses and affects the respiratory organs.
Therefore, symptoms of flu are often:
- A dry cough
- Sore throat
- A blocked or runny nose
- A high temperature
- Aching muscles and joints
- A feeling of fatigue and weakness
- Painful headaches
- Difficulty sleeping
- A loss of appetite
It can take a couple of weeks or longer to fully recover from flu, and symptoms begin to appear a few days after being exposed to the virus.
The reason it is essential to inoculate yourself against flu is because it spreads so easily, with people being contagious before they even know they are ill.
It spreads through droplets, such as when people cough or sneeze, either being breathed in by someone, or by remaining on a surface area that is then touched by others.
This makes it hard to avoid contracting the illness, particularly when seeing or working with lots of people, some of whom may be ill, even if they do not know it yet.
Why are vaccinations important?
Flu vaccinations are, therefore, really important to protect against the virus, as they reduce the likelihood of contracting influenza by as much as 60 per cent.
They work by protecting against the strains of flu that are circulating the most that season, giving patients the best chance to avoid getting seriously ill over the cooler months.
Who can get a free flu jab on the NHS?
The NHS protects people who are most at risk if they contract flu, as their bodies are unable to fight off the virus as easily or effectively as others.
They may also not be able to cope with the physical demands of the virus if they are already weak or have a suppressed immune system.
Those who are eligible for a flu vaccine on the NHS are:
– People over 65 years old and those living in care homes
Anyone who will be 65 or older by March 31st 2027 as well as anyone living in a care home can receive a free flu vaccination, as their immune system is not as strong as younger people. Therefore, they are at a much greater risk of complications from influenza.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, 70 to 85 per cent of deaths resulting from flu are among adults aged over 65. What’s more, more than half of hospitalisations of seasonal flu are from this age group.
– Adults with long-term health conditions and the immuno-suppressed
The reason why adults with underlying health conditions or those who are immuno-suppressed are able to receive the flu jab for free is because the virus could have a detrimental impact on their illness.
A suppressed immune system also means they are more vulnerable to subsequent flu infections and pneumonia.
– Children under 16
Children under the age of 16 are more vulnerable to serious complications from influenza as their bodies are not as strong or developed as adults.
Schools are also a breeding ground for viruses, such as flu, due to the high number of people in close proximity and the often less-than-ideal hygiene practices of young people.
By reducing the risk of school-age children from getting flu, this is likely to lower the number of days missed due to being ill, which would not only have a negative impact on their education but it would also mean parents have to cancel work to look after them.
– Pregnant women
Expectant mothers are able to receive the flu jab because pregnancy itself weakens the immune system. This means the body is less able to fight off any illnesses, increasing the risk of severe complications.
In fact, nearly four in ten women between 15 and 44 years old who were hospitalised with influenza were pregnant in 2020 to 2021.
Getting the flu while pregnant also puts the baby at risk, increasing the chance of late pregnancy loss, a lower birthweight, foetal distress and hospitalisations among newborn babies.
However, a flu vaccination can protect the infant by allowing the antibodies to pass through the placenta, so the baby remains inoculated against the virus for their first few months.
– Carers
Carers at home, as well as health and social care workers, are able to get the flu vaccination, as it is essential they do not pass on the virus to those whom they are looking after.
This would put their vulnerable people at high risk of becoming ill, or leave them with reduced care if they were to stay at home to recover.
– Homeless people
Anyone who is over the age of 16 who is homeless is also eligible for the flu jab, as their living condition means their physical health is considerably reduced.
Therefore, they are considered to have the same risk of serious complications and even death from influenza as those over the age of 65.
They are also more likely to be exposed to the virus, as they may reside in shared shelters or visit busy day centres with lots of different people.