GET THE FACTS ON INFLUENZA.

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 do people catch flu?
Flu is a highly infectious illness. A person carrying the virus can spread the illness by coughing or sneezing. A person can spread the virus from 1-2 days before they develop symptoms and for up to a week after symptoms develop.

What are the symptoms of Flu?
Flu symptoms hit you suddenly and severely. Symptoms of flu include
• sudden fever,
• chills,
• headache,
• myalgia (muscle pain),
• sore throat
• non-productive dry cough.

Who should be vaccinated?
Vaccination is strongly recommended for:
• persons 65 and over,
• those with a long-term medical condition such as diabetes, heart or lung disease,
• people whose immune system is impaired due to disease or treatment,
• healthcare workers,
• residents of nursing homes and other long stay institutions,
• persons with a body mass index (BMI) over 40,
• pregnant women. (can be given at any stage of pregnancy),
• carers
• People with regular close contact with poultry, water fowl or pigs.

GET THE FACTS ON PNEUMOCOCCAL DISEASE

Pneumococcal disease is a leading cause of serious illness in adults. It is caused by a common bacteria which can attack different parts of the body.

WHO IS AT RISK OF PNEUMOCOCCAL DISEASE
Young children, older adults and those with long-term medical conditions are at increased risk of developing pneumococcal disease.

HOW CAN YOU PROTECT YOURSELF AGAINST PNEUMOCOCCAL
The Immunisation Guidelines for Ireland recommend that infants, certain at risk groups and everyone over the age of 65 years should be offered the pneumococcal vaccination.

Introduction to Pneumococcal disease and Vaccinations
Only one in seven people aged over 65 years of age has been vaccinated against pneumococcal disease in Ireland, according to market research.
That means that over 400,000 people could be at risk of contracting pneumonia, meningitis or septicaemia – all caused by pneumococcal disease.

Sadly, over 200 Irish people die every year as a result of pneumococcal disease, also known as the pneumo bug. However, there is a free vaccination available for over 65s and those in at-risk groups which could help protect against disease. Find out more about pneumococcal disease and speak to your GP today about how you can protect yourself.