It’s that time of year in the UK when people may consider getting a “ flu jab “. Influenza is a viral disease which usually strikes between October and May. In the Philippines the “ flu season “ is between June and December.


Early each year the World Health Organization assesses the strains of flu virus most likely to be circulating in the northern hemisphere. The 2013/2014 vaccine protects against H1N1 ( which caused the “ swine flu “ pandemic in 2009 ) ; H3N2 ( a strain which can affect birds and mammals, active in 2011 ); and B/Massachusetts/2 ( active in 2012 ).


The vaccine stimulates your body’s immune system to make antibodies to the flu virus. The virus is constantly changing the proteins on its surface, which is why the vaccine needs to be given each year. In future years it may be possible to produce a “ universal flu jab “ which stimulates T cells to respond to the ( unchanging ) core of the virus.


The vaccine is especially advisable for the elderly and others who are at increased risk – through ill health, or health workers. In these cases it’s free on the NHS. Unfortunately in the Philippines the vaccine is only free to a limited number of “ senior citizens “.



A nasal spray flu vaccine is to be made available this year for all children aged two and three years as part of the NHS childhood vaccination programme.


Health workers in the UK don’t set a good example by having flu jabs – probably less than half actually do. The English health secretary is even trying to link extra payments for hospital A & E departments for those trusts whose staff flu vaccination rates reach 75%. Compulsory vaccination in ANY form is controversial ( about half of doctors approve and half disapprove in a recent BMA poll ).


Health care workers get flu just like anyone else. It would seem sensible and safe to have the vaccine both for self protection and to avoid infecting patients. Ideally EVERYONE with flu would stay at home until they’re better, usually a few days.


Generally having a flu jab is safer than getting flu, for those at increased risk. It’s not necessary, nor is it free, for everyone. People in good general health mostly recover from flu within a few days. Antiviral agents like “ Tamiflu “ ( oseltamivir ) and “ Relenza “ ( zanamivir ) can be prescribed by a doctor to shorten the duration of infection. If in doubt, see your doctor or pharmacist BEFORE the flu season !







http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/diseases/facts/influenza.htm

http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/vaccina...a-vaccine.aspx

http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/vaccina...u-vaccine.aspx

http://www.nature.com/nm/journal/vao...l/nm.3350.html