Steps to Preventing Influenza
For older adults to help defend themselves against the flu this winter, self-defense is more crucial than ever. Receiving your free flu shot is a crucial step in helping to safeguard your health this winter if you are 50 years of age or older.
The flu is what?
The respiratory system is impacted by the flu infection. It is a highly contagious illness brought on by the influenza virus.
Between October through March, it is in season. Even in pleasant weather, you can still catch it.
What are the symptoms of the flu?
Symptoms of the flu can include:
- a fever
- a dry cough
- sore throat
- headache
- muscle aches
- feeling sick and being sick
- diarrhoea
- feeling very tired.
How should I handle the flu?
As the flu is a virus, antibiotics won't help you recover from the flu or relieve your symptoms.
You should hydrate yourself well, get as much rest as you can, and make an effort to stay warm to aid in your recovery. Ibuprofen and paracetamol can be taken to alleviate certain symptoms.
How can I stop myself contracting the flu?
The influenza virus spreads quickly. Use tissues whenever you cough or sneeze, wash your hands frequently, and discard used tissues as soon as you can to limit the chance of spreading the illness.
For people who are more susceptible to the flu, a vaccine is available.
Even if it's a mild winter, flu is in season, so if you qualify, it's crucial to get an annual free flu shot. This serves to safeguard you and everyone you care about.
Who can get a free flu jab?
You can get a free flu jab from your GP or pharmacist if:
- you're aged 65 or over
- you're aged 50 and over, starting from mid-October (including if you'll be 50 years old by 31st March 2023).
- you live in residential care or another long-stay care facility
- you provide care for an older or disabled person
- you live in the same household as someone who is on the Shielded Patient List or is immunocompromised
- you have certain health conditions - a full list can be found on the NHS website.
- you're pregnant.
If you're a frontline worker in the NHS, the NHS will pay for your vaccination.
If you work in social care, your employer should organise and pay for your vaccine. If your employer doesn't offer the vaccine and you work for either a registered residential care or nursing home, a registered home care organisation or a hospice, you may be able to have a free vaccine at your GP or pharmacist.
You should be able to get a free flu jab from your GP or pharmacist if you provide health or social care through Direct Payments (personal budgets) or Personal Health Budgets (such as Personal Assistants) or both.
Speak to your GP or pharmacist if you think you could be eligible.
When should I get my flu shot?
In late September or early October, the majority of surgeries and pharmacists begin to provide the vaccination. It is preferable to get the vaccine as soon as possible because it can take up to 14 days for it to start working.
It is still wise to take precautions up until the end of March because the flu season lasts that long.
Where can I get my flu jab?
You can have your flu jab at your GP surgery or a local pharmacy offering the service. It's up to you where you go.
Do I still require my flu shot and coronavirus booster?
It's crucial to receive both your flu shot and your coronavirus autumn booster vaccination this winter. Having both is crucial since they defend you from many viruses and can prevent you from being very ill this winter.
One should be given to everyone who qualifies for an autumn booster shot at least three months following their prior coronavirus vaccine.
While you could be called regarding your flu shot, you can also schedule it at any time and at your neighbourhood pharmacy.
You may be offered both the flu jab and the coronavirus booster vaccination at the same time. This is perfectly safe and can be more convenient for you.
If you have any questions about either vaccine you should speak to your GP or pharmacist.
