FLU VACCINATION FOR HEALTHY INDIVIDUALS …
As the summer ends our thoughts move towards the seasonal influenza ( flu ) jab . Having a flu jab is essential for those with existing medical conditions , young children or those who are pregnant . However , what about the healthy individuals among us and is this something to be considered ?
Flu is easily transferred from one person to another via coughs , sneezing and even talking . It is believed that flu droplets can be passed on to others as far away as six feet . The flu virus is also shared by touching a contaminated surface , then placing our hands on the mouth or nose to transfer the virus . If a healthy person gets the flu they can start infecting other people at least one day before the actual signs of flu appear and continue doing so until up to 5 days after the symptoms have disappeared . It takes 1-4 days to actually see symptoms of flu after a person is infected . It is also estimated that around 20 % - 30 % of people can be symptomless carriers of the flu , while passing it around to others – including those who are sick or very young .
In previous years the flu vaccine has not always completely matched up to the flu viruses in circulation . This means that there is often a complacency regarding the effectiveness of the vaccine . In order to determine the most appropriate vaccine components , a team of World Health Organisation experts pay close attention to how the flu virus mutates and is circulating around the world . Based on this research from over 100 national flu centres a decision is made on what will be the most likely combination to go into the flu vaccine . Once a decision is made it can then take six months to manufacture the vaccine … and that is why we can sometimes have a mismatch , when the flu virus circulating - changes in the interim period . However , it is important to remember the flu vaccine has either three or four different strains , so while it might be less effective for one strain – it is still offering protection against the other strains .
In a heathy individual it is therefore worth considering whether the flu jab is something you should have this year . Not only does it have the potential to prevent flu for yourself , but it could also help prevent a flu burden among vulnerable individuals in our schools , hospitals and workplaces , when the flu vaccine is well matched with the flu viruses circulating . Healthy people can definitely benefit from having the seasonal flu vaccine and can even make a difference in their community .
DOCTORnow is pleased to offer a fourstrain flu vaccine this year known as a Quadrivalent Influenza Vaccine available for those aged 6 months and over , as well as the Trivalent Influenza Vaccine for the over 65 age group . These flu jabs will help your body produce the antibodies needed to fight off the flu virus for the coming flu season . DOCTORnow has secured vaccine stocks which are available for Private Patients 1 . To make an appointment call us on 01494 706 888 and book a convenient appointment at our Beaconsfield Surgery .
YOUR LOCAL PRIVATE GP � 01494 410888 � info @ doctornow . org www . doctornow . org
1 For those who are eligible for an NHS vaccine , this can be obtained free of charge by calling your NHS GP .
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