An independent pharmacy chain is urging people to book their flu vaccines now in preparation for September, amid fears there may be a major spike in infections this winter. Well Pharmacy is already seeing a 160 per cent rise in bookings compared to last year as indications suggest we are in for a severe flu season.
Australia is currently experiencing a wave of cases exceeding the five-year average, and experts are taking this as a strong indicator of what the UK can expect this winter. The NHS is also warning of a potential flu spike because of a drop-off in natural immunity during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Well Pharmacy have seen a huge increase in bookings for the influenza jab and have sourced additional vaccines for what now has the potential to be one of the biggest flu seasons in recent times. The UK Health Security Agency have also confirmed that members of the public aged over 50, in addition to those classed as extremely clinically vulnerable will be offered a flu vaccination along with a Covid-19 booster vaccination.
Research has shown that if people catch flu and Covid at the same time - a condition dubbed Flurona - they could become seriously ill.
Ifti Khan, Superintendent Pharmacist at Well Pharmacy, said: “Influenza cases were rare during the pandemic, attributed to a combination of factors, including mask wearing, social distancing and higher flu vaccination rates. But this year, with increased socialising and people living with Covid-19, the risk is very real.
“Although most people recover from the flu virus, it can become very serious. Community Pharmacy plays a vital role in supporting the NHS in administering as many vaccines as possible to protect communities. Here at Well, we have highly trained and experienced vaccinators. We would urge everyone to be proactive in advance of the incoming flu season, , and book their vaccination, to protect not only themselves, but friends, family and loved ones. If anyone is unsure, our pharmacy teams would be more than happy to offer advice.”
People can book their vaccinations by visiting www.well.co.uk/flu where the booking page is now live and taking booking for dates from September 19.
What is flu?
Flu is an illness caused by an infection from the influenza virus. The virus infects your nose, throat and sometimes your lungs.
Flu is highly contagious and spreads easily between people, particularly in winter as the influenza virus lives and grows best in cold and dry conditions.
What are the symptoms of flu?
Flu can cause symptoms similar to a cold, but they tend to come on faster and can be more severe. Symptoms will vary for each person, but common flu symptoms include:
- headaches
- sore throat
- stuffy or runny nose
- persistent, dry cough
- chills and sweats
- high temperature (fever)
- aching muscles
- tiredness
- loss of appetite
- diarrhoea
- feeling and being sick.
Is flu dangerous?
Most people recover from flu in around one week without any complications.
However, flu can be more serious for some people. It can also cause dangerous complications, like pneumonia and heart problems and can be fatal in severe cases.
People who are most at risk of becoming seriously ill with flu include:
- adults over 65
- children under five
- pregnant women
- people with a long-term medical condition, like diabetes, heart or lung disease
- people with a weakened immune system, for example due to chemotherapy or HIV
- people who are frequently exposed to flu, like healthcare workers.
If you have flu symptoms and you're at risk of becoming seriously ill or your symptoms don't improve after seven days, call 111 or visit NHS 111 online.
How does the flu vaccine work?
Getting the flu vaccine is an effective way to protect yourself and others from flu. It’s given as a single injection, usually into your upper arm.
The vaccine helps your immune system produce antibodies that protect against the influenza virus. If you do get flu after having the vaccine, you will usually experience milder symptoms and recover quicker.
It can take between 10 and 14 days for the vaccine to start working.
