Flu jab is offered on the NHS each year and is available from a number of pharmacies and supermarkets.
The vaccine protects against the influenza virus, an infection that affects the nose, throat and lungs.
Flu vaccination delivers a weak version of one or more influenza viruses expected to do the rounds this year.
So what specifically does the vaccine protect against? There are nine symptoms of it fights against.
The symptoms of flu, according to Bupa, are:
- A high temperature (38C to 40C)
- Chills
- A headache
- Feeling tired, weak and generally unwell
- Aching muscles and joints
- Losing your appetite
- A sore throat
- A dry cough
While most people who get the flu virus recover between a few days and two weeks, for some people the illness can develop complications, so the flu jab can also protect against these.
Renters for Disease Control and Prevention explains: “Some people will develop complications (such as pneumonia) as a result of flu, some of which can be life-threatening and result in death.
“Sinus and ear infections are examples of moderate complications from flu, while pneumonia is a serious flu complication that can result from either influenza virus infection alone or from co-infection of flu virus and bacteria.
“Other possible serious complications triggered by flu can include inflammation of the heart (myocarditis), brain (encephalitis) or muscle (myositis, rhabdomyolysis) tissues, and multi-organ failure (for example, respiratory and kidney failure).
“Flu virus infection of the respiratory tract can trigger an extreme inflammatory response in the body and can lead to sepsis, the body’s life-threatening response to infection.”
It adds flu can also make chronic medical problems worse. For example people with asthma may experience asthma attacks while they have flu.
You are eligible for a free flu jab and advised to have the vaccine if you:
- Are 65 years of age or over
- Are pregnant
- Have certain medical conditions
- Are living in a long-stay residential care home or other long-stay care facility
- Receive a carer’s allowance, or you are the main carer for an elderly or disabled person whose welfare may be at risk if you fall ill
Frontline health and social care workers are also eligible for the flu vaccine, but it is your employer’s responsibility to arrange and pay for the vaccine.
Flu jab is also free on the NHS for children over the age of six months with a long-term health condition, children aged 2 and 3 on August 31 2018, and children in reception class and school years 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5.
Children aged between six months and two years are given an injected flu vaccine, whereas children aged between two and 17 are given the flu vaccine nasal spray.
Adults who aren’t eligible for a flu vaccine on the NHS can pay for it privately.
The jab is available from many pharmacies and supermarkets. While prices can vary, it tends to cost up to £20.
So can taking vitamin C supplements help prevent you getting the influenza virus or should you opt for getting the flu jab instead? The NHS issues advice.
