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IMPORTANT NOTE: Breakspear Hospital offered a limited supply of flu vaccinations for the 2006-2007 flu season and this season's vaccines are no longer available. To be put on a waiting list for the 2007-2008 flu vaccines, contact Reception in autumn 2007.
Influenza, also known as "flu", is a very contagious disease. It is caused by the influenza virus that can spread from infected people to the nose or throat of others.
Because the influenza viruses are constantly changing, each year an updated vaccination is available. It is recommended that an annual vaccination is received.
The best time to be immunised is in October or November. This is because the influenza season usually peaks anywhere from November through May and it can take about 2 weeks for immunity to develop after the vaccination.
Influenza symptoms include:
- fever, sometimes very high
- cough
- sore throat
- headache
- chills
- muscle aches
- fatigue
- sometimes seizures in children
These symptoms are common to many other illnesses which may be mistaken for influenza.
Influenza can lead to pneumonia and can be dangerous for people with heart or breathing conditions. Influenza can kill and particularly affects the elderly. People 65 or older are considered high risk for complications.
If you are at particular risk of contracting influenza, consider getting your vaccination today.
High risk of developing influenza:
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Have potential to spread to those at high risk: |
Those who should consider the vaccine: |
- people with low immune systems
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- household contacts and out-of-home caretakes of infants from 0-23 months of age
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- adults 50 years of age or older
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- children 6-23 months of age
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- physicians, nurses, family members or anyone else in close contact with people at risk
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- people living in dormitories or crowded conditions
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- children 6 months to 18 years on long-term aspirin treatment
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- travellers to Southern hemisphere between April and September
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- women who are pregnant during the influenza season
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- people who travel in organised tourist groups or to the tropics
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