Influenza (FLU)

Flu is caused by a virus and viruses are not usually treated with antibiotics.

Flu is a self limiting disease and your body will fight off the infection.

Symptoms of flu should be treated i.e. rest, keeping cool, plenty of fluids and paracetamol or ibuprofen (which will relieve pain and reduce the temperature).

Most coughs & colds are not the Flu, but milder viral illnesses, and the Flu vaccine will not prevent you from getting these milder illnesses. However the Flu vaccine is important in preventing Flu in patients in the following groups:

• Chronic respiratory Disease including Asthma
• Heart disease, Diabetes & Kidney disease
• your immune system is suppressed, either by illness or treatment e.g. chemotherapy or steroids
• you are over 65
• People working with groups of vulnerable others e.g. Hospitals, Care Homes

More information about the Flu vaccine and eligibility criteria can be found at here.

Flu vaccine and coronavirus (COVID-19)

Flu vaccination is important because:

• more people are likely to get flu this winter as fewer people will have built up natural immunity to it during the COVID-19 pandemic
• if you get flu and COVID-19 at the same time, research shows you're more likely to be seriously ill and may require admission to hospital for treatment
• getting vaccinated against flu and COVID-19 will provide protection for you and those around you for both these serious illnesses

If you've had a confirmed COVID-19 infection, it's safe to have the flu vaccine. It will still be effective at helping to prevent flu.

It is important you go to your vaccination appointments unless you or someone you live with has symptoms of COVID-19 or are awaiting the outcome of a test result.

FLU Vaccination Programme 2024-25

We are now organising our Flu Vaccination Clinics which we anticipate will be held on the following Saturdays in October (5th and 19th) as well as weekday and evening clinics. Please be assured that we have reserved enough flu vaccinations for this winter if you are eligible.

Eligible groups for NHS influenza vaccination 2024/25:

• Children aged two and three years on 31 August 2024
• School aged children from reception to year 11 (inclusive) - to be offered in school
• People aged 6 months to less than 64 years in clinical risk groups
• People aged 65 years and over (age on 31 March 2025)
• Pregnant women
• Carers of a person whose health or welfare may be at risk if the carer falls ill
• People with a learning disability
• Frontline health and care workers - to be provided by work
• People experiencing homelessness
• Household contacts of the immunocompromised

https://www.nhs.uk/.../vaccinat.../flu-influenza-vaccine/...

It is vitally important to be vaccinated this winter and we would encourage all our patients if eligible to have the COVID Booster as well as the Flu Vaccination this year.

Please note that the Autumn COVID Boosters will be delivered by Cardiff & Vale Health Board and you will be contacted by them for your appointment. Please do not contact the surgery in regards to COVID Boosters.