Select one of the above links for more information or call 0800 22 44 88 for advice on the flu.
Flu Facts
What is flu?
Flu is much more serious than you may think. Flu is a virus that can cause chills, fever and a sore throat and, if you have heart or lung problems or are 65 or over, it will hit you hardest.
The virus can also cause headaches, coughing, sneezing and extreme tiredness. In the most serious cases it can cause pneumonia, which can result in death.
Flu is often spread through the air by coughs and sneezes or by coming into contact with contaminated surfaces.
How common is flu?
The number of people who get flu varies from year to year depending on the severity of the circulating flu strains, but some cases occur every winter. Flu can lead to large increases in the number of people who consult their GP. During an epidemic, GP consultation rates reach 1000 per 100,000 population or over.
How to keep well
There are things you can do to try and stop the spread of the flu. The virus travels best through coughing and sneezing - these can carry the virus at around 80 miles an hour and up to 3 feet - so if you do feel the urge, you're best off sneezing into a tissue and then disposing of it promptly and washing your hands.
Where do I go to get the jab?
If you think you are eligible for the free flu vaccination contact your GP surgery or local pharmacist for more information.
Alternatively you can contact the NHS Helpline on 0800 22 44 88 for advice.
All of the above are quick, free and could save you weeks of misery.
Facts and figures
Flu affects 10-15% of the UK population each year. The number varies from year to year depending on the severity of the strain.
What is Flu?
Flu is much more serious than you may think. Flu is a virus that can cause chills, fever and a sore throat and, if you have heart or lung problems or are 65 or over, it will hit you hardest.
Who needs the flu vaccination
Anyone who suffers from heart or lung problems, or is 65 or over, should get the flu vaccine. Conditions and diseases which can make flu much more dangerous include: asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, cystic fibrosis, diabetes and HIV infection.
How the flu vaccine works
The vaccine takes around ten days to work and will protect you from flu for around a year. And you have to get vaccinated annually, because the virus develops different strains, and last year's vaccine won't protect you from this year's flu virus.
Where do i go to get my vaccination
If you think you're eligible for the flu vaccination, just contact your GP surgery or pharmacist to find out more. The vaccine is quick, free and could save you weeks of misery.