Annual Influenza (flu) Vaccinations

Our 2009 'flu clinic' will be held on 4th November 2009.

As in previous years this will be an all day event so no normal routine appointments will be available.

Appointments can be made on or after 15th September 2009.

Advice to patients with swine influenza during a pandemic

Flu (influenza) is a viral illness that can quickly spread through the community. This note helps you identify the illness, gives basic advice on how you can help yourself and describes when you should seek further advice. During an epidemic or pandemic of flu, advice is available from the NHS either by telephone or website.

For The Pandemic Flu Service - if you have symptoms telephone:-

The Flu Service 0800 1513 100

or log on to www.direct.gov.uk/pandemic flu

For general advice - if you are unsure whether you have symptoms or not please telephone:-

Swine Flu Info Line - 0800 1513 531

NHS Direct - 0845 4647

www.nhs.uk

If you then believe you have symptoms then please telephone the Pandemic Flu Service for further advice and instructions.

PLEASE DO NOT attend the surgery without an appointment as we will need to try and protect you and other patients from further infection.

Information about Influenza

Influenza is caused by a number of different influenza viruses. The current one circulating in humans is H1N1 Influenza A.

The incubation period is 1-4 days and adults are usually contagious from the day before to 5 days (7 days in children) after the onset of symptoms.

Symptoms include fever, cough, weakness and fatigue, muscle pains, sometimes vomiting and diarrhoea, earache or headache.

Fever is defined as a temperature over 38c in adults or 38.5c in children.

Flu symptoms usually start to improve after 3-5 days with fever declining after 2-3 days and normally disappear after 6th day. Cough, weakness and fatigue can persist for 1-2 weeks and occasionally longer.

Antiviral drugs may be appropriate for some people if started within 48 hours of developing symptoms and help reduce the number of days the illness lasts and help reduce spread.

Antibiotics do not benefit people with influenza but are sometimes needed to treat secondary infections.

What can you do if you have flu?

Take Paracetamol or ibuprofen or aspirin (not under 14 years) to relieve temperature, muscle pains, and headache. Follow dose guidelines on the packet.

Rest

Drink plenty of fluids

Avoid smoking and alcohol

Consider steam inhalation, throat lozenges, and/or saline nose drops

Finish the complete course of any medication given

Remember you are contagious to other people for 5 days after symptoms start (7 days for children)

Avoid close contact with other people of possible

Do not go to work until symptoms gone

Cover your mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze and bin tissue immediately after use then wash hands

Wash hands frequently with soap and water or alcohol gels

Clean work surfaces, door handles and tap handles regularly with normal domestic cleaners.

Examples of what should prompt you to contact the Medical Services again

If you develop any of the following you will probably need to be reassessed by a member of the medical team:

Shortness of breath at rest or minimal exertion

Pain or difficulty breathing

Fever for more than 4 days and not starting to get better or getting worse

Coughing up dark green brown sputum or blood

Recurrence of fever and symptoms after having started to get better

Drowsiness, disorientation or confusion