Follow NHS guidance if you think you have flu
You can spread flu even if you don't have symptoms and are more likely to spread it to others in the first 5 days after getting infected. Flu is spread through coughing and sneezing and can live on hands and surfaces for 24 hours.
Those who are more likely to become seriously ill from flu include children under 6 months old, people aged over 65, pregnant women, and those with certain underlying health conditions.
Flu vaccination
Certain groups of people are offered the flu vaccine as they're at an increased risk of becoming seriously unwell if they catch flu. It is available to these groups for free.
The flu vaccine helps to reduce the chance of catching and passing on flu. It also reduces the risk of becoming seriously ill and needing care in a hospital.
The flu vaccine is available every year during the winter season, usually between September and March.
Children's flu vaccine
The children's flu vaccine is usually given by nasal spray.
GPs invite all 2 and 3-year-old children to have a flu vaccine.The school age immunisation service offer the flu vaccine to all school aged children (reception to year 11). It's usually delivered in schools with community clinics available for children who are educated at home or at alternative education premises.
Parents and guardians should look out for the flu vaccination consent request from their children's school and return it promptly, as the vaccine can only be offered once consent has been received.
Pregnancy flu vaccine
During pregnancy you may not be as able to fight off infections, like flu, as easily as you usually would, which could lead to you becoming seriously ill.
The flu vaccine is available at any stage of pregnancyduring the winter season.
If you have any questions about vaccinations in pregnancy, please discuss this with your midwife or GP.
Where to get a free flu vaccine
If you're eligible for the free flu vaccine you may get it from your own GP practice, or any pharmacy offering NHS flu vaccinations.
You can book or manage a free flu vaccination at a pharmacy.
How to avoid getting or spreading flu
If you have flu symptoms stay at home if you can to help avoid spreading germs to others.
There are lots of steps you can take to help prevent catching and spreading flu:
- if you have flu symptoms, stay at home if you can, to avoid spreading it to others
- get your flu vaccine when it's offered
- wash your hands often, with warm water and soap - the key times are after coughing and sneezing, before preparing food and eating, and after using the toilet
- use tissues to trap germs when you cough or sneeze
- put used tissues in the bin as soon as possible
- cough into your elbow instead of your hands
- regularly clean surfaces that you touch