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How to fight flu and Covid in autumn and winter
October is traditionally the start of flu season in the UK. With the coronavirus pandemic now common place, what are the Government’s plans for this year’s flu season roll out? How can you get help to ensure you get to your appointment? And how can you keep yourself and your loved ones safe this winter flu season.
In fact, many of the measures put in place to protect people from Covid-19 are very helpful in fighting common colds and the flu. It has been found that the measures put in place to control the spread of Covid-19 last year in Australia also helped to curb the country’s flu season as well. (Here’s the study.) Measures like extra and thorough hand washing and cleansing, together with social distancing and mask wearing in public spaces, has helped to reduce the transmission rates of both flu, colds and Covid-19. While these measures are not mandatory under law in the UK anymore, they are still highly recommended as they make it harder for infections to pass from person to person.
In the UK, the NHS gives the flu vaccine free to those over the age of 50 and those who have certain health conditions that make them vulnerable. You can find out more on the NHS website here. The flu jab is available from GPs surgeries and pharmacies, and you will normally receive a message from your GPP advising you to come in for your jab.
Organisations like the NHS and the British Heart Foundation are urging people who are offered a flu vaccine to take it up this year. While Covid-19 measures helped reduce the number of people affected by flu last year, there are concerns that measures might also mean the population has lower natural immunity to flu, so they are advising people to take it up if offered.
Most recently (August 20th, 2021), the Government’s Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation recommended that a third booster vaccine should be made available to individuals over 12 who were immunocompromised. You can read the full article and updates here. This will include people who were immunocompromised when they got their vaccination due to conditions like HIV, leukaemia and immune deficiencies. Others getting the booster would be those who have cancer treatment, had recent organ transplants, those getting immunosuppressive therapy and those on high dose steroids.
These people will be offered a third ‘top up’ jab to help bolster their immune response to fight Covid following their original two vaccines. It would not be a booster dose, more a top-up. If you are unsure if the top-up dose applies to you, it is best to speak to your GP.
GoodOaks Care Professionals can help you by taking you to your appointment for your vaccination. All of our Care Professionals have their own cars and abide by Covid-safe travel protocols. They can provide assistance to make sure you get to your appointments safely and support you while you get your jab. For more information on how a Good Oaks Home Care carer can help you, contact us on 01202 757787.
