Get your flu vaccination now

Get your flu vaccination now

If you're at risk of complications from flu, make sure you have your annual flu vaccine.

The vaccine is especially important for people at higher risk from flu.

This includes: 

• Pregnant women
• Those aged over 65
• People with lower immunities, such as those with long term health conditions like asthma
• Children aged between two and four
• People at risk can have the fl­u vaccine for free from their GP. If you are at risk, or if you are unsure about getting the vaccine, you should contact your GP surgery as soon as possible.

Does the flu jab give you flu?

The flu vaccine does not contain the live ­flu virus. The vaccine protects you against ­flu because the vaccine stimulates your immune system to produce antibodies to prevent you getting flu.

Can I have antibiotics for a cold or ­flu?

Colds and ­flu are viral illnesses, which can’t be treated with antibiotics. Antibiotics only work on bacterial infections.

Colds and fl­u can be treated yourself by:

• Taking paracetamol to relieve aches and lower temperatures
• Drinking plenty of ­fluids to prevent dehydration and reduce pain in your throat
• Steam inhalations to help clear chesty coughs
• Taking plenty of rest
• Asking your pharmacist for advice
• Cold and ­flu symptoms can last up to two weeks or longer. It is important that you choose the right treatment and only book a GP appointment when necessary. This helps doctors to deal with patients who need health advice and a prescription.

Your pharmacist can help you choose what is right for you and can deal with minor illnesses without you having to see your GP.

For more information, speak to your GP or local pharmacist, or visit www.nhs.uk/flu.