Flu and You

What is Flu?

Flu or ‘influenza’ is an extremely contagious respiratory illness. It’s caused by influenza viruses infecting the windpipe and lungs. Although the symptoms can be similar to a cold, flu is much worse than a regular cold. Commonly antibiotics don’t work against viruses, with the flu, antiviral may be used.

This year, the flu vaccine is being offered to:

children aged two, three and four years i.e. born between 1 September 2011 and 31 August 2014
children in school years 1, 2 and 3 i.e. born between 1 September 2008 and 31 August 2011
children with a health condition that puts them at greater risk from flu.
people aged over 65 years
anyone with an underlying health condition (e.g. diabetes, chronic liver disease and heart diseases)
anyone with a weakened immune system
people living in residential/nursing homes
carers of older or disabled people
all pregnant woman

Everyone above are entitled and recommended to receive free and frequent flu vaccines (per every flu season).

Is the vaccine effective?

It’s the best protection we currently have against this unpredictable virus; for the past nine out of 10 seasons the vaccine has provided good to moderate protection against the circulating strains.

Do I have flu?

The symptoms of flu are fever, chills, headache, aches and pains in the joints and muscles, and extreme fatigue. With flu, symptoms will show quickly, whereas a cold and its symptoms will gradually worsen. Flu is passed by coughing and sneezing; so cover your mouth when doing so and wash your hands frequently.

Where do I go?

Visit your GP flu clinics and pharmacies (see local listing below).

What is the flu vaccine?

The flu vaccine is a vaccination to prevent contracting the flu. The flu vaccine reduces risk of serious illness, hospitalisation and even death among those who are most at risk.

It can be taken as a nasal spray vaccine (which is ideal for infants because it is quick and painless) or an injection.

I’m pregnant, do I need it?

Pregnancy naturally weakens the body’s immune system and as a result you may be less able to fight off infections. The flu vaccine is safe during any stage of pregnancy, it does not carry any risks for you or your baby.

Pregnant woman are eligible for the flu vaccination free of charge. It’s free because you need it.

Participating local pharmacies in Bracknell and Ascot areas – 2016

Ascot

Boots	23 High Street, Ascot, Berkshire, SL5 7HG
McParlands Pharmacist	24 New Road, Ascot, Berkshire, SL5 8QQ
Littlefields Ltd	58 High Street, Sunninghill, Berkshire, SL5 9NF
Lloyds Pharmacy	4 Broomhall Buildings, Chobham Road, Sunningdale, Ascot, Berkshire, SL5 0DH
PillBox Chemists	17 Brockenhurst Road, South Ascot, Berkshire, SL5 9DJ

Bracknell

Superdrug	13 Charles Square, Bracknell, RG12 1DF
Boots	13 Princess Square, Bracknell, RG12 1LS
Lloyds Pharmacy	Skimped Hill Health Centre, Skimped Hill Lane, Bracknell, RG12 1LH
Lloyds Pharmacy	97 Liscombe, Birch Hill, Bracknell, RG12 7DE
Manichem Ltd	3 Bullbrook Row, Bracknell, RG12 2NL
Lloyds Pharmacy	8 Rectory Row, Easthampstead, Bracknell, RG12 7BN
Boots	5 The Square, Harmanswater, Bracknell, RG12 9LP
Lloyds Pharmacy	6 Great Hollands Square, Great Hollands, Bracknell, RG12 8UX
Sainsbury's Pharmacy	Ringmead, Bagshot Road, Bracknell, RG12 7SS
Lloyds Pharmacy	Terrace Road North, Binfield, RG42 5JG
Tesco Pharmacy	Jigs Lane, Warfield, RG42 3JP

Crowthorne

McParlands Pharmacist	182 High Street, Crowthorne, RG45 7AP
Lloyds Pharmacy	12 Dukes Ride, Crowthorne, RG45 6LT
Jandoo K	196 Dukes Ride, Crowthorne, RG45 6DS

Sandhurst

Boots		70 Yorktown Road, Sandhurst, GU47 9BT
Lloyds Pharmacy		390-400 Yorktown Road, Sandhurst, GU47 0HL
McParlands Pharmacist		27 Yeovil Road, Owlsmoor, Sandhurst, Surrey, GU47 0TF

What can you do to protect yourself from the flu and other winter viruses?

Flu is spread by germs from coughs and sneeze, which can live on hands and surfaces for 24 hours.

Good hand hygiene is one of the easiest ways to protect yourself and others from a viral type illness such as the flu

wash your hands often with warm water and soap – use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available
use tissues to trap germs when you cough or sneeze
bin used tissues as quickly as possible

For more information on how you can reduce the possible spread of infection visit NHS