Seasonal flu. Protect yourself and others. An easy read version of the leaflet

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Gabriel Benson
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1 Seasonal flu Protect yourself and others 2010-11 An easy read version of the

1 1 Seasonal flu Protect yourself and others An easy read version of the leaflet Some words may be hard to understand. They are put in a box and explained

2 What is this leaflet about? This easy-read leaflet explains what people need to know about seasonal flu. It will help people who could be seriously affected by flu.

2 2 What is this leaflet about? This easy-read leaflet explains what people need to know about seasonal flu. It will help people who could be seriously affected by flu. It will tell them how they can protect themselves with a flu vaccine. Flu vaccine: a weakened or killed form of a virus. It is normally given to you by injection into your arm with a small needle. It will tell people whether they should have their seasonal flu vaccine every year. The vaccine is free

3 3 What is Seasonal flu? Seasonal flu is a serious illness. It is caused by a virus and is more common in the winter. Virus: a type of germ which can pass easily from person to person and make people very ill. Flu is not just a bad cold. It can be much worse. The new vaccine will protect against swine flu and 2 other types of seasonal flu viruses. Swine flu: the common name for a new type of flu virus that spread widely last year. Flu kills thousands of people in the U.K every winter

4 4 What harm can flu do to you? These are some of the symptoms that you may have if you have flu: Symptoms: what you might feel if you are ill. You might feel very hot or cold, and you might shiver. This is called a fever or temperature. You might have a cough or a sore throat. Your body might ache.

5 5 More about symptoms of flu: You might have a headache. You might feel very tired. Flu can sometimes cause serious conditions such as bronchitis or pneumonia. Bronchitis and pneumonia: serious diseases of the lungs You might need to stay in hospital.

6 6 Who should have the vaccine? You should get the vaccine if you are aged 65 years or older. You should get the vaccine if you live in long stay care. Long stay care: housing that gives extra support and care to elderly or disabled people Anyone over 6 months old who suffers with a long-term condition should get the flu vaccine. Long-term condition: an illness that someone has suffered with for months or years

7 More about who should have the flu vaccine: People with long-term conditions like the ones in the list below should have the vaccine: breathing problems; heart

7 7 More about who should have the flu vaccine: People with long-term conditions like the ones in the list below should have the vaccine: breathing problems; heart problems; liver disease; diabetes; Multiple Sclerosis (or any other problem with nerves or muscles affecting body movement); no spleen or problems with your spleen.

8 Who else should have the vaccine? Pregnant Women All pregnant women need to be protected against flu. Getting swine flu can cause more problems if you are pregnant, even if you are healthy.

8 8 Who else should have the vaccine? Pregnant Women All pregnant women need to be protected against flu. Getting swine flu can cause more problems if you are pregnant, even if you are healthy. If you are pregnant talk to your doctor or midwife. You might need the flu vaccine to protect you and your baby. The flu vaccine is safe and will not harm you or your baby. Carers Carers who look after an elderly or disabled person should have the flu vaccine. This will help to keep them healthy to look after the people they care for.

9 9 Is there anyone who cannot have the flu vaccine? You might not be able to have the vaccine if you are allergic to hens eggs or anything else in the vaccine. Hens eggs are used to make vaccines. Allergic: when your body reacts badly to something and makes you ill. Speak to your doctor or nurse if you are unsure. What will happen when you have the vaccine? Having the vaccine only takes a few minutes. A doctor or nurse will put a small needle in your arm. It may hurt a little but not for long. It may help to look away.

10 How long does the flu vaccine last for? It will protect you for up to a year. Protection only lasts a year. See your doctor or nurse next year to get another vaccine.

10 10 How long does the flu vaccine last for? It will protect you for up to a year. Protection only lasts a year. See your doctor or nurse next year to get another vaccine. Is the vaccine safe? Yes. The vaccine is very safe. Your arm may go a bit red or feel sore for a while. You may feel tired or have a headache. This should soon go away.

11 11 Will the vaccine give me flu? No, it will not give you the flu. Will the vaccine protect me completely? Out of every 10 people who get the vaccine, about 6 of them will be protected against flu. What should I do next? You should see your doctor or nurse and have the vaccine in the autumn.

12 Where can I get more information? You can get more information from the internet. Go to: www.nhs.

12 12 Where can I get more information? You can get more information from the internet. Go to: or You can also phone the NHS Direct Wales Helpline on:

swine flu vaccination:

swine flu vaccination: what you need to know Flu. Protect yourself and others. Contents What is swine flu?............... 3 About the swine flu vaccine....... 4 What else do I need to know?...... 8 What