The influenza virus is a common cause of illness in the winter months. It presents as an acute respiratory illness which is self limiting and recovery takes 2-7 days. However in certain populations, particularly the old and those with lung disease, heart disease and other illnesses it can present as a more severe illness.

Influenza symptoms include a high fever, sore throat, dry cough, aches and pains in the limbs and headache. Some times nausea and vomiting may occur. Influenza is spread by coughing or sneezing and is very contagious.

Who should get the Flu Vaccine?

The flu vaccine is recommended for those at risk and everyone over the age of 65 yrs.  It is also seen as an advantage to vaccinate healthy members of a large work force group to prevent cross infection with the flu virus.

Who should not get the Flu Vaccine?

The vaccine is made from viruses grown in chicken’s eggs.  If the answer is yes to any of the following questions, you should not take the flu vaccine.

1.      Are you pregnant, or could you be?

2.      Are you allergic to eggs or products made from chicken?

3.      Do you have a fever? Or do you think you may be getting a fever?

4.      Have you had any serious reaction to any flu vaccines in the past?

Flu vaccine does not cause the flu. However, 1-10% of persons get minor side effects that disappear in a few days. These might include aching muscles (myalgia) aching joints, sweating, headache, malaise and fever. Local reaction at the site of the injection includes redness, swelling, pain and hardness of the skin.

Serious side effects are exceptionally rare and will probably never be seen in the life of an average GP.  These would include swollen glands, reduction of blood platelets (increasing risk of bleeding) nerve pain and tingling in hands and feet. Inflammation of the nerve or spinal cord ( neuritis and Guillain Barre syndrome,) and inflammation of the blood vessels.

If you do get a mild flu like illness after the vaccine, take paracetamol for mild symptoms and if more unwell report to your doctor.

Frequently asked Questions about Flu vaccination

Q. Does the flu vaccine cause flu?
A. No, the flu vaccine does not contain live vaccine therefore cannot cause flu

Q. Why is the flu vaccine given every year?
A.  As the strain of influenza virus changes yearly so must the vaccine change in order to provide maximum protection against the circulating viurus.

Q. When should the flu vaccine be given?
A. Around October every year

Q. How effective is the flu vaccine?
A. 70-80% effective

Q. How long before the vaccine will provide protection against flu?
A. It takes 10-14 days for the vaccine to start to provide protection

Q. Is the flu vaccine safe for pregnant women?
A. Yes, pregnant women with a chronic disease or those with immunosuppression should be vaccinated regardless

Q. Can children be given the flu vaccine?
A. It is possible to administer the flu vaccine in Children older than 6 months of age

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