How Do You Prevent Catching the Flu this Winter?

How Do You Prevent Catching the Flu this Winter?

The flu occurs each year, and flu season refers to the time of year when it typically occurs. It’s a very contagious illness with symptoms that appear quite suddenly. Colds normally begin gradually with a runny or stuffy nose and a sore throat and symptoms are far less dangerous compared to the ones for the flu. A severe flu outbreak can be considerably worse than a prolonged cold. Keep reading to learn more about the flu vaccine in Lisburn.

A fever, chills, headaches, pains and aches in the muscles and joints, and acute fatigue are the most typical flu symptoms. Normal recovery times for healthy people are 2 to 7 days, but for certain people, the illness might result in permanent disability, hospitalisation, or even death.

What causes the flu?

Influenza viruses that attack the lungs and windpipe are what cause the flu. Antibiotics won’t help because it’s caused by viruses rather than bacteria. However, antibiotics might be required if you experience flu-related complications.

How does the flu spread?

When an infected person sneezes or coughs, the flu virus is transmitted around a large area through microscopic saliva droplets. Additionally, these droplets can be acquired by touching surfaces where they have landed or by being breathed in by other infected people.

When coughing or sneezing, cover your mouth and nose to stop the virus from spreading. You can also lessen your chance of contracting the virus by often washing your hands or using hand gels. However, getting the vaccine prior to the start of the flu season is the safest approach to avoid contracting and spreading the illness.

Do I need to get the flu vaccine?

With very few exceptions, everyone above the age of 6 months should receive the flu vaccine before the beginning of each season. Pregnant women, the elderly, young children, those with chronic illnesses like diabetes or asthma, and those who are pregnant are some groups of people who are more susceptible to health issues from the flu. It is crucial for them and those who reside with them to get the flu vaccination.

The vaccination cannot be given to infants under 6 months of age. But if their parents, older children in the family and other caregivers get it, they will be protected. This is essential because young children are more prone than older children to experience serious complications from the virus.

A person may not be able to receive the flu jab due to certain circumstances. Consult your doctor or pharmacist to determine whether immunisation is still advised if your child:

– Has ever experienced a severe adverse reaction to a flu vaccination
– Had Guillain-Barré syndrome previously

Who is eligible for the free flu vaccine?

Anyone with a chronic illness, including those with diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, or liver disease, is advised to get the free flu vaccine offered by the NHS. You should also get the vaccine if you are:

– Aged 50 years or over
– Residing in a nursing or residential home
– Children of a certain age
– The main carer of an older or disabled person
– Pregnant
– Living with a person who has lowered immunity because of disease or treatment
– A frontline social or healthcare worker

Do you need a COVID-19 vaccine?

The COVID-19 vaccinations are secure and reliable. They provide the best defence against COVID-19.

The first and second doses of the COVID-19 vaccination are available to anyone over the age of 5. Some children between the ages of 12 and 15 and those over the age of 16 can also receive a booster dosage.

Before receiving any booster doses, those aged 5 and older who had a significantly compromised immune system at the time of their first or second dosage will be given a third primary dose.

A seasonal booster, also called an autumn booster, will be provided to some people, such as those who are 50 years of age or older, pregnant, at higher risk, and frontline health as well as social care workers.

How does the COVID-19 vaccine work?

Anyone who contracts COVID-19 may develop severe illness or experience long-term effects (referred to as long COVID). The best way to safeguard both you and other people is with COVID-19 vaccinations.

According to research, vaccines help:

– Decrease your chance of developing COVID-19, becoming seriously sick or dying from the disease.
– Lessen the chance that you will contract or spread COVID-19.
– Fight off COVID-19 variants.

You should have some protection from the first dose for 3 to 4 weeks after receiving it. For better and more lasting protection, you need two doses.

To help strengthen the immunity from the first two doses of the vaccination, the majority of patients additionally require a booster dose.

Even if you have received the COVID-19 vaccination, there is a potential that you could still contract the disease or transmit it, so it’s vital to observe the guidelines on how to protect yourself as well as others.

How can I get the flu vaccine in Lisburn?

Book your appointment with Grahame Pharmacy today to get your flu vaccine in Lisburn and stay protected this winter.

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This blog post was written on behalf of Grahame Pharmacy by Pharmacy Mentor.