|
| |
The flu season is once again upon us.
|
If you are at risk and unvaccinated, particularly if you are pregnant, please ask the receptionists to book you with the nurse for a flu jab, the number of cases of flu is rising at present. |
Influenza is an acute viral infection of the respiratory tract and is highly
infectious. It is characterised by the sudden onset of fever, headache, cough,
muscle weakness and extreme fatigue.
Serious illness and mortality from most influenza viruses are highest among
older people and those with underlying disease, particularly chronic respiratory
or cardiac disease, or those who are immunosuppressed, this is because their
bodies are not always strong enough to fight off the infection.
Flu vaccines change every year that is why it is important to have one annually.
This year the vaccine contains the H1N1 virus (swine flu) plus two other
viruses. If you have already had a swine flu vaccine last year you must still
have this years seasonal flu vaccine to keep yourself protected.
The vaccine is inactivated, this means they do not contain live organisms and
CANNOT cause the disease which they protect.
Flu vaccinations are available on the NHS to protect the health of people for
whom flu could be serious. It is very important if you are at one of the ‘at
risk’ groups below that you book an appointment at Hughenden and Prestwood
Surgeries.
At Risk Groups
| AT-RISK
GROUPS |
Examples |
| Over 65’s |
|
Chronic respiratory
disease/asthma that requires
continuous use of inhaled steroids. |
COPD inc chronic bronchitis,
emphysema,
bronchiectasis, cystic fibrosis,
children who have previously been admitted
to hospital for lower respiratory tract disease.
|
| Chronic heart disease |
Congenital heart disease
hypertension with cardiac complications,
chronic heart failure, individuals requiring
regular medication for ischaemic heart disease. |
| Chronic renal disease |
Chronic renal failure, nephritic
syndrome,
renal transplantation |
| Chronic liver disease |
Cirrhosis, chronic hepatitis |
| Chronic neurological disease |
Stroke, TIA, MS, hereditary and
degenerative
disease of the central nervous system. |
| Diabetes |
Type 1 and type 2,diet controlled diabetes. |
| Immunosuppression |
Due to disease or treatment.
Asplenia, HIV, people on systemic steroids long term. |
| Pregnant women |
Since December 2010 the advice has changed. All pregnant women may have the combined flu vaccine if they wish. |
Which vaccines should I have?
This year it is extraordinarily complex as to who requires
what vaccine. It is clear that all 65 and over people are eligible for the
trivalent flu vaccine (which is what most people will be having) but certain
people need a monovalent (i.e. swine flu only) vaccine in addition, and a few
people will need two of the trivalent vaccines. You may like to look at the flow
chart supplied by the department of health to see what vaccines you should be
having:
CLICK HERE
The Department of health says that “immunisation is one of
the most effective health care intervention and flu vaccines are highly
effective in preventing illness and reducing hospital admissions and deaths from
flu.”
PLEASE BOOK AN APPOINTMENT STRAIGHT AWAY
|
