Frequently asked questions
- IS INFLUENZA JUST LIKE A HEAVY COLD?
- A bad bout of influenza is much worse than a heavy cold. Influenza symptoms come on suddenly and sometimes severely. They include chills, headaches and aching muscles. You’re likely to spend 2 or 3 days in bed and could end up in hospital.
- DOES THE INFLUENZA VACCINE GIVE YOU FLU?
- No, it doesn’t. The injected influenza vaccine contains inactivated virus so it cannot give you the flu. Your arm may feel a bit sore but other reactions are rare. You might have a reduction in your immune response for a few days but it does not give you influenza.
- CAN INFLUENZA BE TREATED WITH ANTIBIOTICS?
- No it can’t because influenza is caused by viruses. Antivirals may be prescribed but they do not cure influenza.
- IS THE INFLUENZA VACCINE FOR LIFE?
- No, it’s not. The viruses that cause influenza change each year so you need a new vaccine each year which will match the new circulating strain.
- SHOULD PREGNANT WOMEN NOT GET THE FLU JAB?
- Pregnant women can get vaccinated no matter what stage of pregnancy they are at. The jab can also protect the newborn during the early months of their life.
- DOES THE INFLUENZA VACCINE PROTECT AGAINST SWINE FLU?
- Yes it does. It protects against a range of seasonal influenza types.
- CAN CHILDREN HAVE THE INFLUENZA VACCINE?
- Yes that can. It is usually given as a nasal spray to all children.