Protect yourself against flu this winter
The Flu virus is spread through particles in the air distributed by infected coughs and sneezes. We offer private and NHS flu vaccinations to help.
Understanding flu
Flu is a virus which means that antibiotics are ineffective. Therefore, people suffering from flu will need time to recover and let the body fight off the virus. The Flu virus is spread through particles in the air distributed by infected coughs and sneezes. Since we all breath the air, it is a perfect vehicle for spreading the virus. The virus can also spread through contact, for example touching door handles or surfaces where the virus has been left by an infected person. Therefore, hand hygiene is so important in fighting the flu virus.
Symptoms of flu are more severe than a cold but tend to improve significantly within seven days, you may find that you feel tired for a while after an episode of the flu.
Symptoms of the flu include:
Fever | Headache | Tiredness | Muscle aches | Sore throat | Nasal congestion | Stomach pain and digestive problems such as diarrhoea | Weakness | Difficulty sleeping | Loss of appetite | Shivering | Cough | Nausea | Vomiting
How long do symptoms last for?
The symptoms tend to improve significantly within seven days, you may find that you feel tired for a while after an episode of the flu. If you’re worried your symptoms are severe or not improving, seek medical advice.
Free NHS flu vaccinationsFor eligible people this winter:
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Click book your NHS Flu Vaccination |
Private vaccinationsPaid or employer funded:
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Book a self-funded private vaccination |
Book employer-funded private vaccination |
The Key Details:
Why use Dear Pharmacy
Trust the experts. Dears Pharmacy is a well-established group of pharmacies in Edinburgh & Fife. We will provide you with pharmacists who are highly skilled in vaccine administration. Our pharmacists will advise each person individually about the flu vaccine and any adverse effects that they may need to look out for. Everyone will be supplied with an information leaflet.
Which jab do we offer?.
The flu is often confused with the common cold, which can cause very similar symptoms. When you have a cold, your symptoms tend to be milder and they usually come on gradually.
Why get the flu jab?
The flu jab helps prevent you’re getting the flu and having to experience symptoms or take time to recover – it reduces your risk of getting the flu. Although the flu jab does not prevent 100% of all flu cases, people who have been vaccinated and who catch a strain of the flu they are vaccinated against tend to have less severe symptoms which usually improve within a shorter period of time.
The flu can cause serious complications in children, the elderly, those with a weakened immune system and pregnant women. For these groups, the flu jab offers protection not only from the flu but helps to reduce the risk of more serious illness and the secondary complications of flu, like pneumonia.
What happens if I get the flu jab?
You won’t get the flu itself, but you can get some of the symptoms – the flu jab is not a live vaccine, which means you cannot get the flu from the flu jab. However, the flu jab may cause flu-like symptoms as a side effect. The side effects of the flu jab tend to be mild and they usually pass within days. If you get an injection, the injection site may be red and sore for a few days after you have received your vaccine. Your nurse or pharmacist will also give more information about potential side effects.
When will it start working?
It can take up to 14 days for your immunity to develop after getting the flu jab. This is why it’s always best to get vaccinated early in the season to minimise your chance of catching it before you develop immunity.
How often do you need a jab?
You need to get vaccinated every year in order to stay protected – the flu virus is constantly changing, and the vaccine is formulated every year to remain effective against the most common strands of the flu.
When should I get the jab?
The best time to get the vaccine is before the beginning of the flu season, but you can also get it later in winter.
Should I get the jab if I’ve already had the flu this year?
It is advisable as there is more than 1 strain of flu virus in circulation every year and can still get reduce your chance of getting other strains even if you’ve already gotten over 1 infection.
Cost
For eligible people NHS flu vaccinations are free.
We work hard to provide high quality, affordable private vaccinations. Please click through to booking for up to date cost information. Vaccinations are available with no appointment necessary following a short consultation with our pharmacist.
If you have a voucher from your employer this cost will be covered.
Service details
Price: Small charge
Frequency: When required…
Leaflet: Page one
Availability
Select your preferred pharmacy to visit their page and enquire about this service or just pop in when it suits you.
