Seasonal Flu

Last year you probably heard a great deal about different sorts of flu, including seasonal flu and swine flu. This leaflet explains how you can protect yourself against flu this coming winter and why it’s very important that people who are at risk have their free seasonal flu vaccination every year.

What is seasonal flu?

Seasonal flu occurs every year, usually in the winter. It’s a highly infectious disease caused by a virus. The most likely viruses that will cause flu each year are identified in advance and vaccines are then produced that closely
match them.

The H1N1 virus that caused the ‘swine flu’ pandemic last year will still be around this winter, so this year’s seasonal flu vaccine will include a vaccine to protect against this virus.

Isn't flu just a heavy cold?

No. Colds are much less serious and usually start gradually with a stuffy or runny nose and a sore throat.

Download the document to your right to read more.