Should I buy a vaccine this year?

The flu started early this year, and experts predict it could be a particularly bad season as a new strain of the virus circulates.

The H3N2 “subclade K” variant is a mutated strain of the seasonal influenza A virus, and people have had little exposure to it in recent years.

This means there is less immunity against it.

The NHS has already sent out a 'flu jab SOS' to vulnerable people.

So how bad could this winter be, and should you buy a flu shot even if you're generally in good shape and will have to pay for it?

The NHS is offering a free flu vaccine to people who need it most, including:

• anyone aged 65 or older
• those who have certain long-term health problems
• pregnant women
• nursing home residents
• carers of elderly or disabled people, or those receiving carer's benefits
• people who live with a person with a weakened immune system

Frontline health and social care workers can also get the flu vaccine through their employer.

A nasal spray version of the flu vaccine is also offered to children ages 2 to 3 years, as well as school-aged children (pre-11th grade).

Children can easily catch and spread the flu. Getting them vaccinated also helps protect other people who are at higher risk of getting seriously ill from the flu.

Everyone else should buy one.

Even if you're healthy, you might still want to get a flu vaccine this winter.

Vaccines remain effective against the introduced strain of influenza A(H3N2), which some call the “super flu.”

Larger pharmacies sell the vaccine for around £20.

It is better to get vaccinated earlier to protect yourself in winter.

The vaccine usually starts working within 14 days.

During this period, you are still vulnerable to contracting the virus.

Some people mistakenly think that the vaccine gave them the flu, but the vaccine does not cause the flu—instead, it gives your body the instructions it needs to fight the infection if you get it.

There is still a chance that you will get the flu after vaccination, but it will likely be milder and not last as long.

Protection decreases over time, which is why the vaccine is offered every year.

The vaccine is frequently updated to best match the strain or version of flu that experts expect to be circulating.

There are a lot of coughs and colds around. So how do you know if you have the flu and not something else? Your symptoms may provide a clue.

Cold

• Symptoms appear gradually
• The nose and throat are most often affected.
• An early sign is pressure in the ears.
• Honor, mucus cough

Flu

• Occurs suddenly
• Feel destroyed
• Fever, muscle pain, exhaustion.
• Need bed rest
• Dry cough

COVID-19

• Typical flu symptoms
• Loss of taste or smell
• Diarrhea or upset stomach

If you're meeting people indoors, open a window to get some fresh air.

Follow the rules of hygiene:

• cough into your bent elbow or use a tissue, then throw it in the nearest trash can.
• wash your hands often with warm water and soap
• Clean your surroundings frequently, especially high-touch areas such as doorknobs.

If you don't feel well but need to go outside, consider wearing a mask to protect others.