Flu season occurs every year in the UK and worldwide during the winter season. This is also why it is called seasonal flu.

The flu is highly infectious and can result in hospitalisation and even death. The symptoms of the flu come on suddenly and make you feel worse. It is different than the common cold and can take a long time to completely go away. While a few people can recover completely, they act as carriers and can easily infect the ones around them.

The most common symptoms of flu are fever, chills, headache, aches and pains in the joints and muscles, and extreme tiredness.

Who is at a high risk from the flu?

The influenza virus might not cause complications for everyone. Some of us may easily recover within a couple of weeks. However, the flu virus can be dangerous and can cause severe complications in vulnerable population that includes the elderly, pregnant women, young children and those with chronic illnesses and compromised immune systems.

The best way to protect yourself and your loved ones against the flu is by getting a flu vaccination. The flu vaccination is recommended by the National Health Society(NHS) for everyone six months and older. However, some are worried about the safety of the vaccine.

Are flu vaccines safe?

Vaccines have been developed for many viral and bacterial conditions that have threatened the human race for centuries, and the influenza virus is no exception.

Vaccination is a highly recommended preventive measure against several diseases,

backed by scientific and academic evidence and the vast majority of medical professionals. Still, many people debate the safety and effectivity of vaccines.

The flu vaccine has gone under rigorous clinical trial and testing and has been proven effective in protecting from the flu and is safe for use. In fact, the NHS considers flu vaccinations to be one of the safest medical interventions available, with millions of people receiving the vaccine every year without experiencing any significant adverse effects. The vaccine is made from inactivated flu viruses or proteins from the virus, meaning that it cannot cause the flu itself.

If you get infected from the flu despite taking a flu jab, the symptoms will be much milder and you will recover faster as compared to unvaccinated individuals. Flu jabs also result in reduced hospitalisation and death rates from the flu.

Pond Pharmacy offers several flu vaccination services in Chislehurst to suit your needs. For more information regarding flu vaccination services in Bromley