Flu vaccines

  
What is influenza?

Influenza (the flu) is a serious illness, usually causing an epidemic every year during winter, causing symptoms such as:
  • fever or chills
  • sore throat
  • dry cough
  • headaches
  • fatigue
  • body aches and pain
  • vomiting.

What is the difference between a cold and influenza?

Influenza makes you feel miserable and is much more serious than a common cold. It can make you sick for up to ten days, and complications such as pneumonia can occur.

A vaccine is available to protect against influenza.

A cold causes less severe symptoms and generally lasts 2–4 days. A high fever, severe headaches, muscular pains, coughing and vomiting are less common or severe.
 
There is no vaccine available for a cold.
 
The influenza virus is different from a cold virus. A cold virus affects only the nose, throat and upper chest and lasts for a few days.

Ask your doctor or nurse about the flu vaccine, to offer you and your family the best protection.

Influenza immunisation facts 
  • Immunisation helps improve your body’s defence against influenza.
  • Being fit and healthy will not protect you from contracting influenza.
  • The influenza vaccine can never give you influenza.
  • Influenza is not the same as having a bad cold. It can kill.
  • Influenza immunisation is free for many people.
The seasonal influenza vaccine is free to all enrolled and registered patients who are eligible – contact your closest ETHC clinic to see if you are eligible.