Can you afford the flu?
- You could be sick for a week or more.
- It doesn't matter how fit or healthy you are, you can still get the flu.
- You cannot get the flu from the vaccine. It does not contain any live virus.
Flu is more serious than a common cold. Many people with flu are forced to rest in bed for a week or more, which means they can't go to work or take care of their family.
For others who are considered 'at risk' of complications from the flu, the illness can be much more serious and can lead to hospitalisation and possibly even death. 'At risk' conditions include severe asthma, emphysema (COPD), diabetes, heart disease and chronic kidney disease.
Also if you work with or are in regular contact with any of the above 'at risk' people, it is important that you are vaccinated to help prevent spreading the flu to them.
FLU VACCINATION IS SAFE AND EFFECTIVE
Millions of doses of the flu vaccine are given to people every year. Generally, most side effects are mild and disappear within a few days. The most common things reported are redness at the site of injection, some muscle pains and sometimes tiredness for a day or two.
VACCINATION IS YOUR BEST DEFENSE ASK YOUR GP