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Flu, also known as influenza, is a contagious respiratory illness that influenza viruses cause, infecting the nose, throat, and at times, the lungs. Fever, sore throat, cough, muscle aches, and fatigue are a few of the symptoms of flu. There may be mild to severe illnesses when infected by flu. There may sometimes be complications like pneumonia in the elderly, young children, and individuals with weakened immune systems.
Why Are Flu Vaccination Important?
Flu vaccination plays a critical role in stimulating the immune system. Your body produces antibodies against the virus, and this lessens the risk of infection. If you contract the flu after taking the flu vaccine, symptoms will be less severe, and the probability of serious complications will also be reduced. NHS offers the flu vaccine every year in autumn or early winter. You must book flu vaccines annually in Twickenham or Richmond. The virus strains can change every year. Booking and taking flu vaccinations guarantees protection against the current strains circulating.
Who should get flu vaccination?
Flu vaccination not only safeguards your health but also furthers the wider effort of diminishing flu transmission within your community. Flu vaccinations must be booked by everyone, but they are specifically crucial for:
- Adults aged 65 and above,
- Pregnant women,
- People with chronic medical conditions, such as asthma and diabetes,
- Children under five,
- Those who live in a care home,
- Main carer for an older or disabled person, or receive a carer’s allowance,
- Individuals or healthcare workers in frequent contact with vulnerable populations, and
- Frontline health and social care workers through their employer.
How does the flu vaccine work?
Know how your system works before booking a flu vaccine. The vaccine boosts your body’s immunity by exposing it to weakened or inactive strains of the flu virus. After receiving the flu vaccination, your immune system produces antibodies. These antibodies can fight off the virus, mitigating the risk of infection. Even if you catch the flu, symptoms will be less severe, and you will recover faster.
How safe is the flu vaccine?
People consider the flu vaccination to be highly safe. We recommend it for people of all ages, particularly those at higher risk of complications. The flu vaccine is safe and effective due to the extensive research and monitoring by health authorities, like the NHS and MHRA (Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency).
The common side effects of flu vaccinations are mild, like soreness at the injection site or a little fever. These side effects resolve within a few days. It is very rare to have serious reactions to a flu vaccine. The benefits of flu protection outweigh the risks of not getting flu vaccinations.
NHS on the Flu Jab in Pregnancy
Flu vaccination is recommended for all pregnant women, irrespective of their stage of pregnancy. The flu vaccine is free for you if you are pregnant.
It is safe to go for a flu vaccination during any stage of pregnancy, from the first few weeks up until you go into labour.
Note that pregnancy changes how your body responds to the flu. Evidence indicates that pregnant women, particularly in the later stages of pregnancy, are more susceptible to developing complications from flu infections. If you are pregnant and have flu, you and your baby may need intensive care. In the worst circumstances, your baby may be born premature or have a low birth weight, leading to stillbirth or death.
Women who get a flu jab during their pregnancy pass protection on to their babies. The best part is that this protection lasts for the first few months after their birth, when they are more vulnerable to flu.
During your pregnancy, you may also breastfeed after flu vaccination. In case you are already breastfeeding, you can have the flu vaccine if you’re eligible (for example, because of a long-term health condition).
Where can I get a flu vaccination in the UK?
We at Maple Leaf Pharmacy are known as one of the UK’s most reliable pharmacies. Patients of all ages prefer our services in Whitton, Richmond, Twickenham, Isleworth, Hampton, Teddington for thorough guidance, high-quality care, and affordability. For your flu vaccine jab, you may visit our clinic in Twickenham or Whitton. To get flu vaccination jabs from a trusted expert professional, contact us today.