FLU – THE FACTS

Flu. Cold. Same thing right?
Wrong. If you’ve ever experienced flu, you know; it’s a lot more than a bad cold.
In most cases, flu causes moderate illness.

What is flu?
Flu is a highly contagious respiratory infection. It spreads easily from person to person; at home, at school, at work, at the supermarket, on the train. It gets passed on when someone who already has flu coughs or sneezes and is transmitted through the air by droplet.

How does a flu vaccine work?
A flu vaccine will stimulate the first wave of your body’s natural defences and create antibodies that will help defend your body from the types of flu virus found in this year’s flu vaccine.

Why should I get a Flu vaccination?
Getting a flu vaccination is the best way to protect yourself from flu. And if you don’t have flu, you can’t spread it to those around you. This means you are indirectly helping to protect your family and friends too.

Will a seasonal flu vaccination provide protection against swine flu?
Yes. This year’s seasonal flu vaccine contains the HI N1 flu virus strain which causes swine flu.

Flu Vaccination - Your Suitability
There are certain circumstances that prevent the Davidsons pharmacists from administering a flu vaccination.

You should be able to confirm the following:
You are 18 years of age or over
You have not had a seasonal flu vaccination in the past 6 months
You are not pregnant and do not think you may be pregnant

If any of the following apply to you, you should discuss your suitability with the pharmacy assistant:
You have any significant infection at present e.g. chest infection
You have had any other immunisation or vaccinations during the last 3 months
You have ever fainted or felt dizzy after receiving an injection in the past
You are allergic to anything
You are taking any medication
You are suffering from any medical conditions