Infectious diseases and vaccination

Seasonal flu occurs every year, usually in the winter. It’s a highly infectious disease caused by a virus and not just a common cold. The most likely viruses that will cause flu each year are identified in advance and vaccines are then produced that closely match them. The H1N1 virus that caused the outbreak of the ‘swine flu’ pandemic in recent years is present in the winter months and seasonal flu vaccines now include added protection against this virus.

Flu vaccination is important because, while flu is unpleasant for most people, it can be dangerous and even life threatening for some people, particularly those with certain health conditions.

The flu vaccine is given free on the NHS to certain groups of people including people who are 50 or over; anyone who has long term health conditions, lowered immune system due to disease or treatment, pregnant and anyone in nursing home/care home. Further information about the vaccination programme is available on the NHS Choices website.