Should YOU have a flu jab? As up to half the country are offered it, read our ultimate guide to whether it's worth it - and how to make it work better if you do get it
4 months, 2 weeks ago

Should YOU have a flu jab? As up to half the country are offered it, read our ultimate guide to whether it's worth it - and how to make it work better if you do get it

Daily Mail  

An estimated 30 million people in the UK – almost half the entire population – are being offered a flu vaccine to reduce their chances of infection this winter. So just how good is the flu vaccine, when’s the best time to have it – and how can you boost its effectiveness to ensure you get the maximum protection this winter? One of the simplest ways to turbo-charge your response to the flu jab could be to simply first take a probiotic pill – containing ‘healthy’ bacteria that are good for your gut. Professor Andrew Easton, a virologist, recommends going for a walk straight after the jab ‘The fitter you are, the better your response to the flu vaccine,’ says Professor Easton. This drop in immunity is why the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation, the body which advises UK government on vaccine policy, recommended this year’s flu jab programme kicked off in early October – a month later than usual – to ensure more people are still well-protected during the expected peak flu infection times of late December and January.

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History of this topic

Christmas FLU-NAMI: Experts issue urgent warning as cases surge across UK - call for return of social distancing to protect vulnerable
2 months, 3 weeks ago

Christmas FLU-NAMI: Experts issue urgent warning as cases surge across UK - call for return of social distancing to protect vulnerable

Daily Mail  

Experts have issued an urgent warning ahead of tomorrow's festivities amid spiralling flu infections — calling for 'lockdown' style measures to protect the most vulnerable. Rising pressures come despite data showing less than one in four frontline NHS staff have had the flu vaccine amid fears this year's version is less effective than hoped. Data suggests the flu jab used …

Fresh flu warning as explosion shows 'no signs of letting up' - with hospitalisations up 50 per cent in a week, say health chiefs
3 months ago

Fresh flu warning as explosion shows 'no signs of letting up' - with hospitalisations up 50 per cent in a week, say health chiefs

Daily Mail  

Britain is being battered by a tidal wave of festive flu, health chiefs warned today. Surveillance programmes that monitor the UK's outbreak suggest flu hospital admissions in England have already surpassed last year's peak and are running at their highest level so far this winter. Surveillance programmes that monitor the UK's outbreak suggest flu hospital admissions in England have already …

Flu ‘skyrocketing’ amid spike in cases among children
3 months, 1 week ago

Flu ‘skyrocketing’ amid spike in cases among children

The Independent  

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. People eligible for a free flu jab or spray have been urged to take …

Chennai, Mumbai on high alert for flu: What you need to know
3 months, 3 weeks ago

Chennai, Mumbai on high alert for flu: What you need to know

New Indian Express  

Flu season in India typically occurs during the monsoon and post-monsoon months, as the increased humidity following cooler weather creates an environment conducive to the spread of viruses. Types of flu found in India In India, several strains of the flu or influenza virus are commonly found, particularly during the monsoon and post-monsoon seasons. Influenza B Influenza B viruses are …

Revealed: The common medications that make your flu shot less effective
4 months ago

Revealed: The common medications that make your flu shot less effective

Daily Mail  

Everyone is asked to get the flu shot every year to slash their risk of infection and hospitalization. While the flu shot is widely recommended, doctors are advising people to be careful about the medications they use before or after they get vaccinated because some drugs could decrease the vaccine's efficacy. There are more than 295 drugs that can interact …

Centre recommends quadrivalent flu jabs that protect against four strains amid rising cases
4 months, 2 weeks ago

Centre recommends quadrivalent flu jabs that protect against four strains amid rising cases

Live Mint  

New Delhi: The government has advised health professionals to administer a type of flu jab that protects against four different strains as the onset of winter months sees the disease claim lives. The Centre said health professionals should administer the Southern Hemisphere 2024 quadrivalent vaccine, or SH24, which protects against four flu strains. The WHO recommends people take the flu …

NHS will tell more than a million parents of children aged two and three to book them in for a nasal flu vaccine
6 months ago

NHS will tell more than a million parents of children aged two and three to book them in for a nasal flu vaccine

Daily Mail  

Parents and carers of youngsters aged two and three are being urged to book them in for a flu vaccine. The NHS in England is contacting more than a million parents and carers from Tuesday to tell them the nasal spray vaccine is available. In the current phase of rollout, pregnant women and children aged two or three as of …

Flu shots are doing OK vs. virus, US numbers indicate
1 year ago

Flu shots are doing OK vs. virus, US numbers indicate

Associated Press  

NEW YORK — Early estimates suggest flu shots are performing OK in the current U.S. winter flu season. The vaccines were around 40% effective in preventing adults from getting sick enough from the flu that they had to go to a doctor’s office, clinic or hospital, health officials said during a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention vaccines meeting Wednesday. …

The Long Quest for a Universal Flu Vaccine Finally Takes Its First Steps
1 year, 4 months ago

The Long Quest for a Universal Flu Vaccine Finally Takes Its First Steps

Wired  

At state health departments and academic medical centers, and at the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, epidemiologists are intently watching two sets of data: the number of flu cases and the number of Americans taking flu shots. But there’s one more piece of data that will let analysts know how this flu season will unroll: whether the vaccine …

Woman says she was ‘stupid’ not to get flu jab after two weeks in hospital
2 years, 2 months ago

Woman says she was ‘stupid’ not to get flu jab after two weeks in hospital

The Independent  

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy A woman has said she was “stupid” not to get …

Why getting your Covid-19 and flu jab is crucial this winter
2 years, 3 months ago

Why getting your Covid-19 and flu jab is crucial this winter

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Those eligible for NHS influenza vaccination and Covid-19 boosters …

Do I need a flu jab? TV’s Dr Hilary answers all our winter vaccine questions
2 years, 3 months ago

Do I need a flu jab? TV’s Dr Hilary answers all our winter vaccine questions

The Independent  

Sign up to our free Living Well email for advice on living a happier, healthier and longer life Live your life healthier and happier with our free weekly Living Well newsletter Live your life healthier and happier with our free weekly Living Well newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. …

Flu season may have arrived early, health officials warn
2 years, 4 months ago

Flu season may have arrived early, health officials warn

The Independent  

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. The UKHSA has urged everyone eligible to get a flu vaccine, saying Covid restrictions …

Free flu jabs to be available in NSW from Wednesday amid 'increasing hospitalisations'
2 years, 9 months ago

Free flu jabs to be available in NSW from Wednesday amid 'increasing hospitalisations'

ABC  

Free flu jabs will be made available to everyone in New South Wales from Wednesday in what authorities are describing as a "month-long blitz" to combat what is anticipated to be a horror winter for influenza. Key points: There were more than 1,100 reported cases of respiratory infections in NSW last week Pharmacies have been given approval to administer flu …

Flu vaccinations are being urged as cases rise. So, how effective is this winter's jab?
2 years, 9 months ago

Flu vaccinations are being urged as cases rise. So, how effective is this winter's jab?

ABC  

Australia had a couple of virtually flu-free years, but the disease has bounced back — and then some — over the past few weeks. "We've got around 600,000 children under the age of two who've never seen flu, so that's quite a sizeable population of young kids who are entirely susceptible," Sheena Sullivan, an infectious diseases epidemiologist at the Doherty …

Can I get the flu jab if I've just had COVID-19? What you need to know about winter with both viruses
2 years, 10 months ago

Can I get the flu jab if I've just had COVID-19? What you need to know about winter with both viruses

ABC  

Flu season has officially arrived, with Australia already seeing thousands of cases of the virus. Both COVID-19 and influenza are now circulating in the community, and health authorities are pleading with people to get their flu shot to reduce the "life-threatening" risk of having both at the same time. "Once you're better, and once you're out of isolation, you can …

Your questions about flu season and vaccines answered as a COVID winter looms
2 years, 11 months ago

Your questions about flu season and vaccines answered as a COVID winter looms

ABC  

As the mercury drops and days get shorter, sniffles, sore throat and other classic symptoms of flu typically start rearing their snotty, grotty heads. The flu vax protects against four viruses Two influenza A : H1N1 was first detected in the Americas in 2009 and caused the 2009-10 swine flu pandemic H3N2 was behind the 1968 flu pandemic, which killed …

Flu is making a comeback in US after an unusual year off
3 years, 2 months ago

Flu is making a comeback in US after an unusual year off

Associated Press  

The U.S. flu season has arrived on schedule after taking a year off, with flu hospitalizations rising and two child deaths reported. “This is setting itself up to be more of a normal flu season,” said Lynnette Brammer, who tracks flu-like illnesses for the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It’s a sad reminder of how severe flu can …

Flu is making a comeback in the U.S. after an unusual year off
3 years, 2 months ago

Flu is making a comeback in the U.S. after an unusual year off

LA Times  

Nurse Megan Chamberlain gives a flu shot to Anthony Devitt at a vaccine clinic in Brattleboro, Vt., on Oct. 26. “This is setting itself up to be more of a normal flu season,” said Lynnette Brammer, who tracks flu-like illnesses for the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It’s a sad reminder of how severe flu can be.” During …

Some experts want all children to get a flu shot this year
3 years, 5 months ago

Some experts want all children to get a flu shot this year

NL Times  

Several experts recommended that all children receive flu shots this year to help protect the older population, professor and member of the English Health Council Maarten Postma said in De Telegraaf. "Hospital cannot afford a flu epidemic when there are also coronavirus outbreaks," Ted van Essen from the Dutch Influenza Foundation said. The flu does not often impact children considerably, …

US health experts urge flu shots to avoid ‘twindemic’
3 years, 5 months ago

US health experts urge flu shots to avoid ‘twindemic’

Associated Press  

The U.S. is gearing up in case of a bad flu season on top of the continuing COVID-19 crisis, with a plea Thursday for Americans to get vaccinated against both. “We are preparing for the return of the flu.” Flu cases dropped to historically low levels globally over the pandemic, as restrictions designed to slow the spread of the coronavirus …

To fight Covid-19 and flu, joint vaccine clinics emerge
3 years, 5 months ago

To fight Covid-19 and flu, joint vaccine clinics emerge

CNN  

CNN — They’re a fall staple in most communities across the United States: flu shot clinics. “There has been an expectation that the flu would be worse this year than in year’s past, however our county is at a critical stage with COVID-19 transmission rates being at record levels, so that has been our main focus, in preventing outbreaks and …

So just how long will your jab protect you from Covid?
3 years, 8 months ago

So just how long will your jab protect you from Covid?

Daily Mail  

As the Government announces plans to introduce booster jabs for Covid-19 — making us the first country in the world to do so — Rachel Ellis asks some of the country's leading experts to explain why boosters might be necessary. A booster jab increases the number of immune cells capable of producing antibodies to fight off the virus, explains Will …

When should I get the flu vaccine, and does coronavirus change things?
5 years ago

When should I get the flu vaccine, and does coronavirus change things?

ABC  

With coronavirus now spreading in parts of the Australian community, many people have been wondering whether they need to get their flu jab early this year. Key points: Australians are recommended to get their flu shot from mid-April It's unclear how much seasonal flu could worsen COVID-19, but experts want to avoid people having both Flu vaccinations are free for …

Flu shot: This season’s offers ‘substantial protection’ in a season tough on children
5 years, 1 month ago

Flu shot: This season’s offers ‘substantial protection’ in a season tough on children

CNN  

CNN — The flu season is still in full swing and it’s likely to continue for several more weeks, and if you haven’t gotten a flu shot yet, you should, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The vaccine doesn’t offer perfect protection – it never does – but a new CDC report says it has significantly …

Here's Why You Really Need A Flu Shot
5 years, 3 months ago

Here's Why You Really Need A Flu Shot

NPR  

Here's Why You Really Need A Flu Shot Enlarge this image toggle caption SDI Productions/Getty Images SDI Productions/Getty Images Thanksgiving leftovers are a distant memory, and December's extra travel, shopping and family commitments are already straining nerves, budgets and immune systems. "Giving influenza vaccine to people with heart disease, for example, is as important as giving them a statin," Schaffner …

People are getting paid to be infected with the flu
5 years, 4 months ago

People are getting paid to be infected with the flu

CNN  

CNN — It’s widely accepted that the flu and the torrent of uncomfortable symptoms that come with it are to be avoided at all costs. For a handsome sum of up to $3,300, 80 adult participants across four research facilities will receive a nasal spray with the virus and spend at least one week at an inpatient facility until they’ve …

Flu shots 2019: Only 52% of Americans plan to get vaccinated
5 years, 5 months ago

Flu shots 2019: Only 52% of Americans plan to get vaccinated

CNN  

CNN — While 60% of adults think that the flu vaccine is the best preventive measure against flu-related deaths and hospitalizations, only 52% said they planned to get one this season, according to a survey by the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases. “I’m here because the mission of HHS is to protect and enhance the health and well-being of every …

Flu shot more likely to save your life than not getting it, says influenza researcher
5 years, 7 months ago

Flu shot more likely to save your life than not getting it, says influenza researcher

ABC  

A flu expert says getting vaccinated against the infectious disease is more likely to save your life than without it, yet only around 30-40 per cent of people are taking up the shot. Key points: A Griffith University professor says only 30-40 per cent of people get vaccinated against influenza Professor Paul Van Buynder says the vaccine is only 60 …

This year’s flu vaccine effective against top influenza strains
6 years, 1 month ago

This year’s flu vaccine effective against top influenza strains

Salon  

This article originally appeared on Healthline, the world’s second-largest health information website, which brings you transparent health information so you can make confident decisions for living well. This prediction is based on: information about how the viruses spread during the past year which previous virus strains caused the most illness how well the previous season’s flu vaccine “matched” the viruses …

Flu jab: Who needs the vaccine this winter and where can you get it?
6 years, 3 months ago

Flu jab: Who needs the vaccine this winter and where can you get it?

The Independent  

Sign up for our free Health Check email to receive exclusive analysis on the week in health Get our free Health Check email Get our free Health Check email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The NHS is calling for people to get their flu jab, …

Op-Ed: Save a grandma. Get your flu shot
6 years, 4 months ago

Op-Ed: Save a grandma. Get your flu shot

LA Times  

A natural disaster is bearing down on our country, one assured to take the lives of thousands and hospitalize tens of thousands more: the annual flu epidemic. But getting a flu shot also does something else: It helps protect the people around you who are most vulnerable to serious flu illness, particularly the very old and the very young. Most …

Fifth of UK adults fear catching flu from jab, study finds
6 years, 5 months ago

Fifth of UK adults fear catching flu from jab, study finds

The Independent  

Sign up for our free Health Check email to receive exclusive analysis on the week in health Get our free Health Check email Get our free Health Check email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. “However, there is some evidence that having a lower body temperature can lower your ability …

Fact check: Are your chances of getting the flu after a vaccination only decreased by 1 to 2 per cent?
6 years, 8 months ago

Fact check: Are your chances of getting the flu after a vaccination only decreased by 1 to 2 per cent?

ABC  

The claim Australia is well into the midst of winter, and with the cold weather comes flu. That review found the flu vaccine decreased the rate of flu infection from 2.3 per cent to 0.9 per cent in healthy adults. The very study quoted by Professor Del Mar found that the flu vaccine had an estimated effectiveness rate of 59 …

Flu vaccine 2018: Do you need it and when should you get it?
6 years, 11 months ago

Flu vaccine 2018: Do you need it and when should you get it?

ABC  

It's nearly time to roll up your sleeve, brace yourself for a small prick, and hope the nurse or doctor offers you a lollypop for your troubles. This includes: Pregnant women People aged 65 years and older Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged six months to five years Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 15 years and older …

Single jab that protects against all strains of flu for 10 years
6 years, 11 months ago

Single jab that protects against all strains of flu for 10 years

Daily Mail  

A single jab which protects against all strains of flu for up to a decade could be available on the NHS in just two years. The results of a UK human trial being announced today suggest the jab is more effective than existing vaccines which target only a few types of the virus. The FLU-v jab, which is the work …

What you need to know about Fluad and FluZone High Dose, the new flu vaccines for over-65s
7 years, 1 month ago

What you need to know about Fluad and FluZone High Dose, the new flu vaccines for over-65s

ABC  

In an attempt to avoid a repeat of last year's horror flu season, Health Minister Greg Hunt announced the Government would fund two new flu vaccines in 2018 to try to better protect the elderly. Compared to the standard flu vaccine, the high-dose version has been shown to better stimulate the immune system of older users to make protective antibodies. …

Flu vaccine just 36% effective this season, CDC reports
7 years, 1 month ago

Flu vaccine just 36% effective this season, CDC reports

CNN  

Story highlights The flu vaccine has been just 36% effective this season, the CDC estimates The vaccine showed just 25% effectiveness against the dominant H3N2 strain CNN — Flu season is still raging in the United States, yet already it ranks among the most difficult in recent years. “You’re 36% less likely to get the flu and see the doctor …

GPs are told to use more expensive flu jab
7 years, 1 month ago

GPs are told to use more expensive flu jab

Daily Mail  

GPs have been told to use a pricier but more effective flu jab to prevent a repeat of this winter’s epidemic. GPs have been told to use a pricier but more effective flu jab to prevent a repeat of this winter’s epidemic It comes amid reports of crisis conditions at NHS hospitals, with the number of confirmed deaths recorded in …

Doctors are running out of the flu jab!
7 years, 1 month ago

Doctors are running out of the flu jab!

Daily Mail  

A third of GP practices have run out of flu vaccines or are running low, a worrying survey has revealed amid the worst outbreak in seven years. ‘As the public would expect we are in close contact with the vaccine manufacturers and can confirm that flu vaccine supplies continue to remain available.’ Cheaper vaccine row The new survey also comes …

More than three million high-risk patients yet to have flu jab, as cases surge
7 years, 2 months ago

More than three million high-risk patients yet to have flu jab, as cases surge

The Independent  

Sign up for our free Health Check email to receive exclusive analysis on the week in health Get our free Health Check email Get our free Health Check email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy More than three million people at high risk of flu are …

Winter flu heaps pressure on NHS as officials warn jab ineffective against most common strain
7 years, 2 months ago

Winter flu heaps pressure on NHS as officials warn jab ineffective against most common strain

The Independent  

Sign up for our free Health Check email to receive exclusive analysis on the week in health Get our free Health Check email Get our free Health Check email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The flu jab most frequently given to adults may not offer …

Flu season: It’s early, but experts are concerned
7 years, 4 months ago

Flu season: It’s early, but experts are concerned

CNN  

Story highlights Flu vaccine effectiveness varies by how well it matches the circulating virus strains Last year's flu vaccine effectiveness was just 42% This year's flu vaccine may also provide inadequate protection, some experts say CNN — Last year’s seasonal flu vaccine effectiveness was just 42%, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimated. “You can’t really do that …

Flu vaccine won't make you completely immune, but it's more important than you think
7 years, 11 months ago

Flu vaccine won't make you completely immune, but it's more important than you think

ABC  

As we head towards a southern hemisphere winter, many people are wondering if it's worth getting the flu vaccine. The Australian Government recommends everyone from six months old be vaccinated, with those in the following higher-risk categories eligible for a free shot in 2017: people aged 65 years and over; Aboriginal and Torres Strait people aged six months to less …

Getting a flu shot? It may be better to wait
8 years, 5 months ago

Getting a flu shot? It may be better to wait

CNN  

Story highlights Marketing for flu shots has become almost year-round It's unclear how long protection lasts, and flu season peaks in mid-winter Experts say an early vaccination is still better than none at all The pharmacy chain pitches started in August: Come in and get your flu shot. “It’s a way to get people into the store to buy other …

Flu vaccine more effective this year
9 years, 1 month ago

Flu vaccine more effective this year

Dutch News  

This year’s flu jab is proving effective at combating the disease even though an unusually high number of patients have needed intensive care, medical researchers have told NOS. ‘On average a jab prevents 70% of flu, so this is quite a bit higher,’ Gé Donker of research institute Nivel told the Radio 1 Journaal. Intensive care There have been hardly …

Flu vaccine more effective this year
9 years, 1 month ago

Flu vaccine more effective this year

Dutch News  

This year’s flu jab is proving effective at combating the disease even though an unusually high number of patients have needed intensive care, medical researchers have told NOS. ‘On average a jab prevents 70% of flu, so this is quite a bit higher,’ Gé Donker of research institute Nivel told the Radio 1 Journaal. Intensive care There have been hardly …

32 Myths About The Flu Vaccine You Don't Need To Fear
10 years, 5 months ago

32 Myths About The Flu Vaccine You Don't Need To Fear

NPR  

32 Myths About The Flu Vaccine You Don't Need To Fear Enlarge this image toggle caption Aaron M. Sprecher/AP Images for National Council on Aging and Sanofi Pasteur Aaron M. Sprecher/AP Images for National Council on Aging and Sanofi Pasteur Brace yourselves: Flu season is coming. Fact: You need a new flu shot each year because the circulating strains change …

32 Myths About The Flu Vaccine You Don't Need To Fear
10 years, 5 months ago

32 Myths About The Flu Vaccine You Don't Need To Fear

NPR  

32 Myths About The Flu Vaccine You Don't Need To Fear Enlarge this image toggle caption Aaron M. Sprecher/AP Images for National Council on Aging and Sanofi Pasteur Aaron M. Sprecher/AP Images for National Council on Aging and Sanofi Pasteur Brace yourselves: Flu season is coming. Fact: You need a new flu shot each year because the circulating strains change …

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