Skip to main content
Vaccinations

The winter flu season: who should have the flu jab and why

The winter flu season: who should have the flu jab and why?

 

The crisp autumn air is here, and with it comes the winter blues, but who should have the flu jab this winter season, and why?

The flu vaccination is important because, while flu is unpleasant for most people, it can be dangerous and even life-threatening for some people, particularly those with certain health conditions.

Vaccination gives the best protection against flu. There are different strains of flu virus and the strains of flu that are most likely to cause illness are identified in advance of the flu season. Flu vaccines help protect against the main types of flu viruses, although there is still a chance you might catch flu.

If you do get flu after being vaccinated, it is likely to be milder and not last as long. Having a flu vaccine may help stop you spreading flu to other people who could be more at risk of serious problems from flu.

Employers should never underestimate the impact a virus can have on their workforce and their business. Outbreaks start with one person and can quickly have a major impact on teams.

At Latus Group, we want to help your employees stay healthy and productive throughout the winter, that’s why we offer convenient and efficient flu vaccination services.

If you had the flu vaccination last year do you need another one this year?

The flu viruses can change from one year to the next. Flu vaccines are updated for each winter to give protection against the strains of flu that are most likely to be circulating.

Therefore, it is recommended that even if you were vaccinated last year, you should be vaccinated again this year.

Why Get Vaccinated during this winter flu season?

Flu can affect anyone but if you have a long-term health condition the effects of flu can make it worse even if the condition is well managed and you normally feel well. You should have the flu vaccine if you are:

  • A heart problem
  • A chest complaint or serious breathing difficulties, including bronchitis, emphysema or some people with asthma
  • A kidney disease
  • Lowered immunity due to disease or treatment (such as steroid medication or cancer treatment)
  • Liver disease
  • Had a stroke or a transient ischaemic attack (TIA)
  • Diabetes
  • A neurological condition, such as multiple sclerosis (MS) or cerebral palsy
  • A learning disability
  • A problem with your spleen, such as sickle cell disease, or you have had your spleen removed
  • You are seriously overweight (BMI of 40 and above).

Seasonal influenza (the flu) is an acute respiratory infection caused by influenza viruses. Influenza spreads easily between people when they cough or sneeze, and vaccination is the best way to protect yourself against the disease.

Early vaccination will help you protect yourselves, your employees and their loved ones. Our employee vaccination service is available across the UK and all nurses are specialists in vaccine administration and are fully qualified.

Most adults can have the flu vaccine but you should avoid it if you have had a serious allergic reaction to a flu vaccine in the past.

You may be at risk of an allergic reaction to the flu vaccine injection if you have an egg allergy. This is because some flu vaccines are made using eggs.

If you’re ill with a high temperature, it is best to wait until you are better before having the flu vaccine.

Signs and symptoms

Symptoms of influenza usually begin around 2 days after being infected by someone who has the virus.

Symptoms include:

  • sudden onset of fever
  • cough (usually dry)
  • headache
  • muscle and joint pain
  • severe malaise (feeling unwell)
  • sore throat
  • runny nose

The cough can be severe and can last 2 weeks or more.

Most people recover from fever and other symptoms within a week without requiring medical attention. However, influenza can cause severe illness or death, especially in people at high risk.

Did you know?

  • Over 5 million working days are lost in December – January alone due to flu and other respiratory illnesses.
  • An average of 13,500 deaths every year from flu, with thousands more needing hospital treatment.

Record breaking winter in 2023

Last winter flu season saw the NHS reporting record high numbers of people being hospitalised from the flu. At its peak, NHS figures showed 2,226 beds were taken up by flu patients each day. 

Benefits of On-site Workplace Flu Vaccinations

Getting vaccinated at work offers several benefits for both employers and employees.
Our nurses are specialists in vaccine administration and are fully qualified. They are available to deliver vaccinations across the UK and can administer 60 flu vaccinations per half day (120 per day).
Opting for on-site vaccinations means employers protect their staff in the office environment for convenience and comfort and reduces staff absenteeism and illness.
Vaccinations help prevent serious flu complications, leading to cost savings for businesses and when employees feel healthy, they’re happier and more engaged in their work.

What happens at the appointment?

One of our nurses will inject the flu vaccine into your upper arm. There may be some side effects but these are usually mild and should disappear within a day or two. The most common side effects include:

  • Redness, soreness or bruising at the injection site
  • A high temperature, sweating, shivering or feeling unwell
  • Headaches, fatigue or dizziness
  • Aching muscles or joints.
If you’d like to speak to us about our Winter Flu Clinic, visit our page and contact us with any questions.
ENQUIRE HERE

How else can Latus Group help your business?

Latus Group offers a variety of services to cover all of your Occupational Health and Health Surveillance needs.

Don’t let the flu disrupt your business this winter. Contact Latus Group today and keep your employees healthy and productive.