Show flu who’s boss . . .

ADVERTORIAL

With the dark nights now upon us, the anticipation of sniffles, sneezes and chills can send us right back under the covers.

Catching flu is more than just a bad cold; it’s a serious illness that spreads easily and can hit you hard and fast.

Over the last five years, around 500 deaths have occurred each winter which can be attributable to, or related to flu, so it is vitally important to defend yourself against the flu virus.

Underlying health conditions can make people more vulnerable to flu. If you have an existing health condition such as heart, lung, liver or kidney problems, or a long-term illness such as diabetes or asthma, then flu can hit you even harder and with serious complications.

That’s the case even if you normally feel fit and healthy.

If you have a health condition, are pregnant, or are 65 or older, make an appointment with your GP surgery today to get the free vaccination, and avoid unnecessary worry for you and your family.

Last year over 2 million people were vaccinated against flu and the vaccine is the safest and most effective way to help protect yourself, so those who are eligible should get vaccinated as soon as possible.

Dr Nicola Steedman, Senior Medical Officer for the Scottish Government Flu campaign, reinforced the importance of getting immunised, saying: “The best defence against flu is this year’s vaccine, which will help to protect against flu for around a year. Even if you were immunised against flu last year, it’s important to receive the vaccine again this year as the viruses can change over time.

“People should try to get the flu vaccine before the flu viruses begin circulating, so if you are in one of the eligible groups, make an appointment with your GP practice as soon as possible.”

The last thing you want to face this winter is flu. It can impact on your work, your family and your health so why take the risk? Show flu who’s boss by getting protected.

Flu – the myths vs the facts

Myth — Only old people get flu.

Fact -—Anyone of any age can catch flu – but certain people are more at risk of complications of flu. This group includes older people and people of any age who have certain long-term medical conditions like heart, lung, liver or kidney problems or lowered immunity due to disease or treatments.

Myth – The flu vaccine hasn’t been tested, it’s not safe.

Fact — All vaccines, including flu vaccines, have to be extensively tested before they can be licensed in the UK, and they have to be licensed before they can be used.

Flu vaccines have been in use since the 1960s, and around a million doses are administered every year in Scotland alone — it’s one of the most commonly administered medicines. Like all medicines, some patients will experience side effects of flu vaccination, but these are generally mild and resolve without treatment.

Myth — It’s dangerous for pregnant women and their babies to be vaccinated.

Fact — When you’re pregnant, your immune system changes, so women are at greater risk of complications from flu, such as having a miscarriage or going into premature labour. The flu vaccine will help protect you and your unborn child and it can also help protect your baby for three months after birth, providing extra peace of mind during that crucial first stage.

Myth — Flu is just a bad cold.

Fact — Colds and flu are caused by different strains of virus and the effects vary hugely. Flu is a much more dangerous virus which can lead to serious infections and illness. It’s a contagious disease of the respiratory tract (nose, throat, and lungs) that can lead to complications including pneumonia, bronchitis, meningitis and encephalitis. It can cause worsening of chronic conditions, such as congestive heart failure, asthma, or diabetes.

Amongst even healthy people flu can disrupt your work and social plans for up to two weeks and you can expect to have a fever, headaches, extreme tiredness, cough, sore throat, nasal congestion, and body aches. People of all ages are seriously affected by flu every year.

To find out more about the seasonal flu immunisation programme visit www.immunisationscotland.org.uk or call NHS inform on 0800 22 44 88.