Flu (also known as influenza) is a highly infectious illness caused by the flu virus.
It can be spread rapidly through droplets of an infected person coughing or sneezing into the air.
For most people, flu is unpleasant but not serious. You will usually recover within a week.
Studies have shown that flu vaccines provide effective protection against the flu. Protection from the vaccine gradually decreases and flu strains change over time. Therefore, new vaccines are made each year and people at risk of flu are encouraged to be vaccinated every year.
The flu vaccination is offered to people in at-risk groups. These people are at greater risk of developing serious complications if they catch flu, such as pregnant women and elderly people.
Flu immunisation usually starts at the beginning of October. Please contact the surgery for an appointment.