Flu Vaccination FAQs
What is the Flu?
The flu (influenza) is an infectious illness spread via small droplets from the nose, throat or mouth of an infected person. Flu symptoms begin 48 hours after coming into contact with the virus.
What are the symptoms of the flu?
The symptoms of the flu include:
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High fever, chills and sweating
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Sore throat
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Weakness
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Headache and generalised muscle and joint pains (legs and back)
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A non-productive cough that can later become more severe and productive.
How do I protect myself from the flu?
A yearly flu vaccination is the best prevention: it protects you and the people around you.
I've recently had the Swine Flu vaccination. Do I still need to be vaccinated against seasonal flu?
Yes, because the seasonal flu vaccine contains three different strains of flu viruses that you also need to be protected from.
Who is most at risk of contracting the flu?
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Children, the elderly and adults who suffer from chronic conditions (heart disease, diabetes and renal failure)
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People with a weakened immune system
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Asthmatics
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People who may spread the flu to other at risk people, such as teachers, health professionals or people with high contact with the public.
Who should NOT have the flu vaccination?
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People who have had a severe reaction to any vaccine or vaccine component
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People with an allergy to antibiotics (gentamycin or neomycin), eggs, or any component of the vaccine. This is because there is a risk of the vaccine causing the person to have a severe and dangerous reaction
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People with a history of Guillain-Barre syndrome should not be vaccinated
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Women in their first trimester of pregnancy
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People who are moderately or severely ill with a fever should usually wait until they recover before getting the vaccine. People with a mild illness can usually get the vaccine.
For more information about who should not have the flu vaccination, speak to your doctor or pharmacist.
Can I catch the flu from a flu vaccine?
No: the flu vaccine does not contain 'live' virus and cannot give you flu.
Will the flu vaccination stop me from getting a cold?
The immunisation is for the flu only; it will not prevent you from getting the common cold or other 'flu-like' illness. This is because the vaccine contains fragments of three common influenza virus strains; it does not protect you against any other infection.
How effective is the flu vaccine?
Flu vaccines are around 70-90% effective. They provide the best protection from the influenza virus and prevent its spread to other people.
How long after getting vaccinated before I am protected, and how long will it last?
Protection after vaccination varies from person to person, but people generally start producing the antibodies two weeks after the vaccination. Protection is expected to last for at least one year.
Are there any side effects?
The flu vaccine is generally well tolerated. Some people experience mild soreness or irritation around the injection site or a headache, fever or a slightly aching body. However these side effects, if they occur, seldom last beyond 1-2 days.
Allergic reactions are uncommon after vaccination, but can be severe in some people. These reactions are due to an allergy to egg protein or to other components of the vaccine, including the antibiotics neomycin and polymyxin, which are in the vaccine in small amounts.
Some severe allergic reactions can happen within 15 minutes. That is why it is important to wait in the allocated area for 15 minutes after being vaccinated.
What do I do if I feel unwell or experience a side effect after the vaccine?
If you have pain at the injection site you can take paracetamol or apply a cold compress to ease the discomfort. If you have fever after vaccination you should drink extra fluids and rest. Paracetamol can also be used to reduce fever. If the fever persists, or you are worried about any reaction you are experiencing, contact your Doctor or healthcare provider as soon as possible, or go to a hospital.
How can I find more information about the vaccination?
Visit the following websites:
Centres for Disease Control and Prevention