Flu Clinic

Every autumn we run Flu clinics to vaccinate patients over 65 years and  others with an illness that puts them more at risk. Everyone we consider to be at risk will receive an invitation to a clinic. You can, of course decline, but we would be grateful if you could let us know, so that we do not keep chasing you! Others are welcome to have the vaccine, but we try to do the 'at risk' groups first.

Influenza is a nasty disease that puts fit people in bed for 10 days and can kill the elderly or infirm; the 1918/19 epidemic killed more people than the whole of the First World War! Many people get the common cold and say they have had "flu" but once you have had the real influenza you will know the difference!

The 'flu vaccination is designed to protect against whatever is thought to be the most prevalent strain of the disease in a given year, so it offers a great deal of protection, but we cannot guarantee you won't be unlucky enough to catch another strain.

The dates of clinics will be published in September on our website; those over 65 and our 'at risk' patients will receive an invitation to around the same time.

Pneumonia Vaccine

Pneumococcal pneumonia is another unpleasant disease we can vaccinate against. It can occur at any time, although is more common over the winter months especially in smokers. As with flu, it can put a fit person in hospital and kill people who are elderly or infirm. The vaccine is a single injection that gives protection, probably for life. We recommend it to all the same at risk groups as for flu vaccine.

Many patients over 75 will already have had this injection at previous years' flu clinics, and if so, do not need it again, we can check our records if you are not sure
Once again, we would ask that if you do not want this vaccine you lets us know, so we may stop chasing you! Others are welcome to have the vaccine, but we would like to vaccinate the 'at risk' groups first.

SWINE FLU

NATIONAL PANDEMIC FLU SERVICE
www.pandemicflu.direct.gov.uk
0800 1 513 100
0800 1 513 200 (minicom)

This telephone and web-based service will help you determine whether you have ‘flu, and is able to authorise antiviral treatment if appropriate.  Please use these if you have flu’ like symptoms or questions related to swine flu and its treatment. 

WHAT TO DO IF YOU HAVE ‘FLU LIKE SYMPTOMS
The overall advice for anyone with ‘flu-like symptoms (fever (temperature over 38^O), cough, shortness of breath) is to:
·         stay at home
·         keep warm
·         drink plenty of fluids and
·         remember: CATCH IT, BIN IT, KILL IT
(ie use a tissue if you cough or sneeze at all – and then dispose of it immediately). That way we can all help to prevent any virus spreading.

You can take remedies available from the chemist to lower your temperature and relieve your symptoms.

If you are concerned about your symptoms call the numbers above, or for further information try NHS Direct on 0845 46 47, the Flu Information Line on 0800 1 513 513 or check the website: www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk

We recommend you do not visit the surgery to minimise the risk of spreading an infection. NHS Direct may suggest you telephone your GP.