• In an average year it is estimated that 3,000-4,000 deaths are attributable to the complications of flu and around 10-15% of the population develop flu each year
• Flu is highly infectious: 100,000 flu particles can be projected into the air with just one sneeze
• In just 12 hours the flu virus can invade 1 million of your nose and throat cells
• It only takes a minute to get a flu jab but this will protect you for 12 months
• The flu is particularly dangerous to people (including young children) with asthma, diabetes, serious heart, chest or kidney complaints, lowered immunity and to those aged 65 or over
• The flu jab is free for people who are at risk (with one of the above conditions) and for all those aged 65 or over
• A sneeze, which can carry the virus, travels at 80 miles per hour and can reach distances of up to 30 feet away
• The flu jab contains no live virus, so it cannot give you flu
• The World Health Organisation maps flu viruses and the vaccine is altered each year to ensure that it gives the best protection against the latest strains

See Also

• Vulnerable groups for Influenza Immunisation
• Flu immunisation appointment times
• Influenza Advice Sheet
• DOH Factsheet
• You know you've got flu if...

Useful Websites

• Stalbridge Surgery has prepared a list of useful websites for patients
• Online Medical Dictionary compiled by The CancerWEB Project.

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