Seasonal flu normally occurs during the winter months. It is a much more serious illness than a cold and it usually results in having to go to bed for several days, feeling very poorly with a high temperature and aching limbs.
Older people and people with chronic medical conditions (such as asthma) are most at risk of developing complications if they catch flu. This is why the seasonal flu vaccination is recommended to these groups of people each year.
This year, the most common strain of flu in circulation is H1N1, also known as swine flu. After a pandemic such as the one we saw in 2009 - 2010, it is normal for that particular strain of flu to become the next winter’s seasonal flu, and that’s exactly what has happened this year. Swine flu is now one strain of winter flu, along with others such as H3N2 and Influenza B, all of which can make the most vulnerable people very ill if they catch it. Flu infection rates are around normal for this time of year.
Vaccine eligibility
The groups which are currently eligible for the seasonal flu vaccine are -
over 65 year olds
pregnant women
people with long term breathing problems including asthma
people with chronic heart conditions
people with kidney or liver problems
people with diabetes
immuno-suppressed people (due to either treatment or disease)
people in long stay residential care where the virus can spread rapidly
frontline health and social care workers
poultry workers
Getting the vaccine
You will only be able to receive the seasonal flu vaccine if you fall into one of the pre-determined ‘at risk’ categories. If you wish to be vaccinated you should contact your local GP practice in the first instance.
NHS Hull is working alongside local GP practices to ensure that all those who are eligible and who wish to have the vaccine are still able to receive it. Where necessary, stocks of the flu vaccine are being moved between sites to ensure as many people in ‘at risk’ groups as possible are able to receive their vaccinations.
Protect yourself and others from flu
use a tissue to cover your nose and mouth when coughing and/or sneezing
dispose of the tissue promptly, by bagging and binning it, and then wash your hands
clean hands frequently with soap and water, especially after coughing, sneezing and using tissues. An alcohol handrub could be used as an alternative for cleaning hands, if water is not available
avoid touching your mouth, eyes and nose, unless you have recently cleaned your hands
use normal household detergent and water to clean surfaces frequently touched by hands
wash your hands when arriving back from outside activities, before and after direct contact with contaminated surfaces, after contact with bodily secretions, before handling food, before eating or smoking
make sure all members of your family follow this advice
Top tip - consider what you would do for childcare if your children’s nursery or school is closed.
Give soap a chance
By washing your hands you can prevent -
diarrhoea and vomiting
food poisoning
flu
Norovirus
MRSA
The most common way germs are spread is by people's hands. Germs are often harmless but they can also cause illnesses such as colds, flu and tummy bugs.
Washing your hands properly with soap and warm water is the single most important thing you can do to help reduce the spread of infections and help protect you, your family and those around you.
Children It is vitally important that all children are made aware of the importance and benefits of washing your hands properly. Encouraging children to wash thier hands at appropriate times will help to ensure that this practice becomes a lifelong habit.
The video below shows you how to wash your hands properly and effectively, to minimise the risk of spreading germs.
The booklet, available as a downloadable PDF below, has been produced by the Department of Health, in association with other partners. It aims to help you and your family maintain good health during winter, and take advantage of the financial help and benefits available.
It has useful tips on how to heat your home effectively, what financial support available, steps on preparing your home for the winter and advice on staying healthy.
Those suffering from coughs, colds, sore throats and other viral infections are advised to visit their pharmacy in the first instance, rather than their local GP. Inexpensive cough and cold remedies such as tablets, syrups and pastilles can be purchased over the counter and will help to relieve symptoms such as runny noses, headaches, tickly coughs and other aches and pains. The pharmacist will be happy to advise people on how to take these medicines and on whether further medical help should be sought.
The display of third party advertising on this site is not an endorsement or recommendation of any advertiser’s goods or services. The council accepts no responsibility for the accuracy of the advertisements nor the quality of the goods or services supplied.
use a tissue to cover your nose and mouth when coughing and/or sneezing
NHS Direct
Keep warm keep well - help for families (size: 305.1 Kb) 
