Flu Facts : A Seasonal guide

 

BY JAN MINSHULL, PRACTICE NURSE.

Well, it’s that time of year again, “flu season” we call it, we all dread it for different reasons, for nurses it means repetitive stress injury and a hoarse voice, not the usual flu symptoms you might think, but try injecting over a thousand people over the course of a few hours and you’ll know what I mean! Anyway joking aside, I’d like to clear up a few facts about flu and the ”fluvac” injection, I hope this will help you to make the decision to have it if you’re eligible.

FACTS ABOUT THE FLUVAC INJECTION

It is given every 12 months, usually in the autumn.

It is offered to everyone over the age of 65 and for those with certain medical conditions.[Chronic respiratory disease, including asthma, chronic heart disease, chronic renal/kidney disease, chronic liver disease, chronic neurological disease, diabetes and immunosuppression or if you are a resident in a long-stay care home or are the main carer for an elderly or disabled person whose welfare may be at risk if they fall ill.

Fluvac does not give you flu, nor will it stop you getting coughs or colds, it stops you developing”true flu” only if the boffins have correctly identified the strains of flu likely to “attack” us this particular year. Every year the vaccine is altered in anticipation, so even if you felt unwell after a previous dose of fluvac, you won’t necessarily feel the same this time.

Fluvac can make you feel a little off colour sometimes, usually a bit achey for a day or two, but plenty of fluids, your usual painkiller and rest will help. It is very unlikely to make you very ill, though as I said it won’t stop you getting coughs or colds and there are always lots of those doing the rounds at this time of year!

Fluvac might make your arm a little bit sore or red, a cold compress will help [try a few frozen peas tied in a plastic bag, wrapped in a clean cloth].

Fluvac cannot stop bird[avian] flu yet, however scientists have discovered a new vaccine that should prevent all flu, watch this space, but don’t hold your breath, these things take time to test, it will probably be another 3-5 years before it’s available.

Flu, “true flu” that is, which is NOT a bad cold, is truly memorable and you’ll know if you’ve had it, a good definition I think, is that if someone threw a wad of fifty pounds notes into your front garden and you had proper flu, you’d leave them there!

FLU, chances are that if you have “true flu” then you will have heard about it on the news already, if large numbers of people become infected this is known as an epidemic, so unless you are one of the first to get it there will already be hundreds who have suffered or are suffering as you are now.

“Flu-like” infections are quite common and should be treated in much the same way as Flu.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU GET FLU [INFLUENZA]
Stay at home, avoid contact with others if at all possible, and remember that flu is most dangerous to the groups as listed above.

Rest, drink plenty, warm drinks or cold drinks to ease a sore throat, take [OTC/over the counter] remedies to relieve your symptoms, the Pharmacist will be happy to advise you if you’re not sure which is best, remember that generic makes are cheaper and usually as effective as the brand name preparations. Either Paracetemol or Aspirin or Ibuprofen if you have no contraindications to them will relieve aches and pains and reduce a fever. Don’t lie flat in bed as this will not allow the secretions from your nose to drain, prop yourself up with plenty of pillows or tilt your bed/cot on bricks if not too heavy. A nice steamy bath or shower before bed will help to relieve congestion, as will steam inhalations with a spoonful of Vick or Olbas Oil. A damp towel over the radiator in your living or bedroom will moisten the air and help relieve your congestion or cough. Sucking boiled sweets will also massage your sinuses and help to relieve congestion. Eat small nourishing meals, remember that dairy produce can worsen mucus production so avoid these.

FLU, “flu-like illnesses and colds are all viral illnesses so will usually last for 7-10 days, antibiotics will NOT help! However any of these illnesses has the potential for complications such as pneumonia [have your pneumonia jab to protect you from this if you’re eligible, it’s a once only injection for most people], chest infections, sinusitis, throat infections, ear infections etc. which MAY require antibiotics. If you have worsening symptoms, difficulty breathing, thick, green sputum or blood-stained sputum, difficulty swallowing, discharge from your ears or your symptoms persist over 2 weeks or you are experiencing anything which you feel is not normal, then it’s appropriate to ring your surgery for advice.

FLUVAC CLINICS 2009
ALL CLINICS APPOINTMENT ONLY:

Saturday 25th September
Wednesday 29th September
Friday 7th October

If you are unable to attend any of these clinics or you are ill on the day of your appointment [temperature symptoms] then please ask about additional clinics.

 

 

Tel: 01606 836 481   Email: lorraine.carter@gp-n81039.nhs.uk
Middlewich Medical Centre, The Oaklands Medical Centre, St Ann's Walk, Middlewich, Cheshire, CW10 9BE.
Last Updated on Tuesday, 25 August, 2009