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What is Flu?
Flu (or influenza,
to use the full name) is a highly infectious illness
which spreads very rapidly via coughs and sneezes of
people who are already carrying the virus. Flu
immunisation (flu jab) gives you good protection and lasts for one year. The vaccine
is normally available in the autumn and is made from the strain
of flu that is expected in the coming winter. In order to remain
protected, you need to ensure that you have an annual flu jab.
Flu Symptoms
A flu
jab's main purpose is to protect those who are most
at risk of developing complications that can result
from flu. The symptoms hit you suddenly and severely.They usually include
fever, |
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chills, sore
throat headaches, aching muscles, and you can often
get a cough at
the same time. Colds are less severe, and usually start
gradually when you get a sore throat and stuffy or a runny nose.
Catching Flu is a much more serious illness and is a nasty
experience for most of us and it can lead
to bronchitis and pneumonia and may
require hospital treatment. Every winter, a large number of
elderly people die from influenza.
When should
I get the Flu Jab?
The best time to have a flu jab is in the autumn. Don't wait
until the winter when there's a flu epidemic. The virus
circulates every winter, usually over a period of a few weeks
and, as a result, a lot of people get ill around the same time.
In a really bad year, this can amount to an epidemic.
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