Protect Yourself with a Flu Vaccination this Winter

The flu virus spreads quickly through coughs, sneezes, and contact with contaminated surfaces. Protect yourself and others this winter by making sure you receive a flu vaccination. At Dears Pharmacy in Glasgow & Fife, we provide both NHS and private flu vaccinations as part of the annual flu season.

Understanding Flu

How Flu Spreads

Flu is a contagious virus carried in the air by infected coughs and sneezes. It can also spread by touching surfaces like door handles where the virus is present, which is why good hand hygiene is essential during flu season.

Flu Symptoms

Flu symptoms are usually more severe than a cold and can develop suddenly. Common symptoms include:

• Fever and shivering
• Headache
• Tiredness and weakness
• Muscle aches
• Sore throat
• Nasal congestion
• Stomach pain or digestive upset (e.g., diarrhoea)
• Nausea and vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Difficulty sleeping
• Persistent cough

How Long Do Flu Symptoms Last?

Most people start to feel better within seven days, although tiredness may last longer. If your symptoms are severe or not improving, the UK Health Security Agency recommends seeking medical advice.

Free NHS Flu Vaccinations You may be eligible for a free NHS flu vaccination if you are: Aged 65 and over Aged 18 to 64 with an eligible health condition Pregnant Living in a long-stay residential care home or other long-stay care facility Living with someone who has a weakened immune system An unpaid or young carer A frontline health or social care worker A non-frontline NHS worker A poultry worker An asylum seeker living in a home office hotel or B&B accommodation Experiencing homelessness or substance misuse Living in a Scottish prison

Click book your free NHS Flu Vaccination

Private Flu Vaccinations If you are not eligible for a free NHS vaccination, you can still receive a flu vaccination privately: Available to anyone self-funding Employer-funded vaccination programmes supported Can be combined with a private Covid-19 vaccination in the same appointment

Book a self-funded private vaccination

Book employer-funded private vaccination

Why Get the Flu Jab?

• Reduces your risk of catching the flu
• If you do catch the flu, symptoms are often milder and recovery is quicker
• Helps protect vulnerable groups from serious complications such as pneumonia
• Essential protection for children, the elderly, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems

This is why the flu vaccination programme is renewed every year – to help protect as many people as possible during the annual flu season.

Cost of Flu Vaccinations

• NHS flu jabs are free for eligible groups.
• Private flu jabs are affordable and available without an appointment after a short consultation.
• Employer vouchers cover the cost of workplace vaccinations.

Flu Prevention

The best way to protect yourself each winter is to receive a flu vaccination, but there are also everyday steps you can take to lower your risk of infection. Good hand hygiene for flu prevention is one of the most effective measures. Washing your hands regularly with soap and water or using hand sanitiser helps stop the virus from spreading through contact with contaminated surfaces. You should also avoid touching your face, cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue, and keep your distance from people showing flu-like symptoms. Combined with the flu vaccination programme, these measures reduce the chance of catching or passing on the flu during the annual flu season.