What is influenza (flu)?
Influenza is a highly infectious acute respiratory illness caused by the influenza virus. Influenza affects people of all ages, outbreaks of influenza occur almost every year, usually in winter. This is why it is also known as seasonal flu.
How serious is flu?
Flu is often self limiting with most people recovering in 2-7 days. However, flu can be severe and can cause serious illness and death, especially in the very young and in the elderly. Serious respiratory complications can develop, including pneumonia and bronchitis, to which older people and those with certain chronic medical conditions are particularly susceptible. Pregnant women have also been found to be at increased risk of the complications of flu.
Is it cold or flu?
It can be difficult at times to tell between the common cold and flu. A cold is a much less severe illness than flu. The flu symptoms come on suddenly with fevers and muscle aches. A cold usually starts gradually with symptoms of a sore throat and a blocked or runny nose.
Why do pregnant women need to get seasonal flu vaccine?
During the pandemic pregnant women were at higher risk of complications from the Swine Flu virus. The Swine Flu virus is still around and is expected to be the most common strain this winter. Pregnant women need to be protected. The seasonal flu vaccine will provide protection against the Swine Flu virus and can be given at any stage of pregnancy.
How does seasonal flu vaccine work?
Seasonal flu vaccine helps the person’s immune system to produce antibodies to the flu virus. When someone who has been vaccinated comes into contact with the virus these antibodies then attack the virus.
How long is the flu season?
In the Northern hemisphere the flu season lasts from October to the end of April. Flu vaccine is recommended for all those in the at risk groups until the end of April Women who become pregnant at ant stage during the flu season should get flu vaccine.
Does vaccination during pregnancy also protect the baby?
Vaccination during pregnancy can protect the baby and also prevent the mother getting flu and passing it on to her baby.
Will the flu vaccine give me the flu?
No, flu vaccine will not give you the flu. Flu vaccine contains killed or inactivated viruses and therefore cannot cause flu. It does, however, take 10 – 14 days for the vaccine to start protecting against flu.
When should I get vaccinated?
The vaccine should be given in September/October each year and is available from your family doctor.
If I was pregnant at the end of the 2010-2011 campaign and received seasonal flu vaccine then and have not yet delivered my baby should I receive seasonal influenza vaccine now?
Yes.You should have a further dose of seasonal flu vaccine now. This is because immunity from the first dose could have waned and pregnant women have been shown to be at increased risk of influenza and its complications.
How long does it take the vaccine to work?
The vaccine starts to work within two weeks.
What should I expect after vaccination?
The most common side effects will be mild and will include soreness, redness or swelling where the injection was given. Headache, fever, aches and tiredness may occur. Some people may have mild sweating and shivering as their immune system responds to the vaccine but this is not flu and will pass in a day or so.
What should a pregnant woman do if she doesn’t feel well after vaccination?
If you have a temperature after vaccination take paracetamol, as it is safe in pregnancy and it is important for you and your baby to avoid fever. Do not take aspirin or ibuprofen (unless advised by your obstetrician). Remember if you are unwell after a vaccine, it could be for some other reason. Don’t assume it’s due to the vaccine and seek medical advice if needed.
Who should NOT get seasonal flu vaccine?
The vaccine should not be given to those with a history of severe allergic (anaphylaxis) reaction to a previous dose of the vaccine or any of its constituents.
What about people with egg allergy?
People with egg allergy can get seasonal flu vaccine. This may be given by your GP or you may need referral to a hospital specialist.
When should vaccination be postponed?
There are very few reasons why vaccination should be postponed. Vaccination should be re-scheduled if you have an acute illness with a temperature greater than 38°C.
What is thiomersal?
Thiomersal is a mercury-containing compound that has been used since the 1930s to prevent contamination in some vaccines. Thiomersal is NOT the same as methyl mercury, which can accumulate in the body and become toxic. A European review of the available evidence concluded that there is no evidence of harm from thiomersal in vaccines other than hypersensitivity reactions. The World Health Organization has concluded that there is no evidence of mercury toxicity in infants, children, or adults exposed to thiomersal in vaccines.
Is there thiomersal in the seasonal flu vaccine?
No. There is no thiomersal in the vaccine used in the 2011/2012 flu campaign
How do I get vaccinated?
The vaccine is available from your GP. Please make an appointment now.
- The vaccine and consultation are free to those within the recommended groups who have a ‘Medical Card’ or ‘Doctor Only Card’.
- Family doctors charge a consultation fee for seasonal flu vaccine to those who do not have a ‘Medical Card’ or ‘Doctor Only Card’.
Where can I get more information?
You can ask for further information regarding immunisation from your G.P., Public Health Nurse or Local HSE Office.
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