Flu Jabs

Seasonal flu is often a relatively mild viral infection which changes every year – so last year’s flu jab wont protect you this year. The flu virus circulates every winter, usually over a period of a few weeks. The best time to have a flu jab is in the autumn, between late September and early November. Do not wait until the winter, when there is already a flu epidemic.

The worry with flu is not the disease itself but the complications – these can be severe and even life threatening which is why flu and flu vaccination have been such major topics in the news for the last few winters.

Complications of flu mostly affect people in high-risk groups such as the elderly, pregnant women and those who have a long-term medical condition or weakened immune system.

The most common complication is a bacterial chest infection. Occasionally, this can become serious and develop into pneumonia.

A course of antibiotics usually cures a chest infection or pneumonia, but it can very occasionally become life-threatening, particularly in the frail and elderly or young children.

Other serious complications are uncommon.

Rare Complications

Rare complications include:

• tonsillitis
• otitis media (a build-up of fluid in the ear)
• septic shock (infection of the blood that causes a severe drop in blood pressure)
• meningitis (infection in the brain and spinal cord)
• encephalitis (inflammation of the brain)

The Jab

The flu jab is a single injection given around October usually in the upper arm. It is not painful and there are usually no side effects. Occasionally you may get a slightly tender area at the site of the injection for a couple of days or even a mild temperature. These pass on their own and can be treated with paracetamol if required. The jab DOES NOT CAUSE FLU.

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