13 January 2015

Health Protection Scotland has confirmed that there is an increased incidence of influenza (flu) throughout Scotland.

NHS Borders is reminding the public of the importance of protecting themselves against flu which is circulating in the community, and asking people to help us keep our patients safe by not visiting family or friends at the BGH or community hospitals if they are experiencing any flu like symptoms.

NHS Borders is also reminding everyone who is eligible for the vaccine and has yet to receive it, especially those people who are ‘at risk’, to get their annual flu vaccine. Flu is a serious illness and the vaccination helps protect against the virus. People who are ‘at-risk’ can be hit harder with flu and can suffer more complications.

Consultant in Public Health Medicine at NHS Borders Dr Tim Patterson said: “The vaccine helps to protect against this year’s flu virus. It is effective in stopping infection, and in the small number of cases when flu infection occurs despite vaccination, it can also significantly reduce the severity of illness.

“Vaccination is needed every year because the virus changes constantly and your immunity reduces over time. It takes around ten days to work, so the sooner people who need it, get it, the better.

“The vaccine contains no live viruses so it can’t give you flu. It’s quick, safe and free to those who are eligible for the vaccine. To prevent spread of flu and other viruses, people should also use a tissue to cover their nose and mouth with a disposable single-use tissue when sneezing, coughing, wiping and blowing noses and dispose of used tissues in the nearest waste bin. Hands should also be washed after coughing, sneezing or using tissues.”

People who are eligible for the free flu vaccine are those aged 65 and over, under 65s with existing long-term medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes, cystic fibrosis, multiple sclerosis and other heart, lung and liver diseases, pregnant women, and unpaid carers of any age. Health and social care staff who deal directly with patients or clients are also recommended to receive the flu vaccine.

If you are confused about whether you are eligible for the vaccine, or would like to find out more information about it, contact NHS Inform on 0800 22 44 88 or log on to www.immunisationscotland.org.uk for further information on immunisation programmes.

More about Flu

  • Seasonal influenza (flu) is an acute viral infection that spreads easily from person to person.
  • Seasonal flu viruses circulate within communities and can affect anybody in any age group.
  • Getting a flu vaccination is the most effective way to prevent infection. Simply contact your GP surgery to arrange an appointment. The flu vaccine is free to everyone in Scotland with a health condition, who is pregnant or who is 65 or over, and to those who work in healthcare. 

Signs and symptoms

Seasonal flu is characterised by a sudden onset of high fever, cough (usually dry), headache, muscle and joint pain, severe malaise (feeling unwell), sore throat and runny nose. Cough can be severe and can last 2 or more weeks. Most people recover from fever and other symptoms within a week without requiring medical attention however flu can cause severe illness or death for people at high risk of catching the virus.

Who is at risk?

The highest risk of complications occur among children younger than age 2 years, adults aged 65 years or older, pregnant women, and people of any age with certain medical conditions, such as chronic heart, lung, kidney, liver, blood or metabolic diseases (such as diabetes), or weakened immune systems.

Transmission

Seasonal flu spreads easily and can sweep through schools, nursing homes, businesses or towns. When an infected person coughs, infected droplets get into the air and another person can breathe them in and be exposed. The virus can also be spread by hands contaminated with influenza viruses. To prevent transmission, people should cover their mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing, and wash their hands regularly.

Vaccination

People that are eligible for the free flu vaccine are: those aged 65 and over, under 65s with existing long-term medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes, cystic fibrosis, multiple sclerosis and other heart, lung and liver diseases, pregnant women and unpaid carers of any age. Health and social care staff who deal directly with patients or clients are also recommended to receive the flu vaccine.