News
Seasonal Flu Vaccinations
Vaccinations for seasonal influenza are now available at the clinic.
Swine Flu Update
There has been a world-wide infection (Pandemic) with H1N1 Influenza (Swine flu) since March 2009. The incidence of this infection dropped over the summer months but is now increasing. It appears that this strain of influenza is really quite mild in most people who have been affected. Although there have been a number of deaths, these are at a lower rate than the death rate for seasonal flu and have generally been in patients with underlying health problems.
The symptoms of flu are
- High temperature (over 38°C/100.4°F)
- Generalised aches and pains
- Sore throat
- Runny nose
- Dry cough
In addition, some patients report diarrhoea and nausea with this strain.
Please telephone 020 7034 1330 if you believe yourself to be affected by these symptoms and want some advice.
Swine Flu – will there be a Vaccination and What should I do?
A vaccination targeted at the H1N1 strain of influenza has been developed. It is based on similar principles as most other vaccinations which we provide in the UK but as the time-frame has been so small it has not been tested extensively prior to licensing. It will consist of two separate doses of vaccine and is likely only to be available through the NHS to individuals in at risk categories. Currently it will be offered to the elderly, those with chronic illnesses (such as diabetes, heart disease, asthma or cancer), carers for these individuals, pregnant women and children. If you are not registered with an NHS GP you will be offered the vaccination but a plan for this has yet to be developed.
The seasonal flu vaccination programme has already started and Dr Tickle has plenty of these. This is recommended to all patients this year and will be a requirement for any patients making Hajj pilgrimage as a certificate will be required.
Anti-viral Medication
Private General Practitioners are currently not able to prescribe Anti-Viral medication. The current UK Public Health Strategy is to treat all patients who sound clinically likely to have Swine Flu with an antiviral drug. This is being organised by contact with an NHS GP or the Swine Flu Helpline on 0800 1513100.
Although anti-viral medications are being offered to all patients who might have H1N1 influenza, if you have flu like symptoms which are mild and do not suffer any underlying health conditions, you may not benefit from an anti-viral medication as you could be more adversely affected by side effects from the medication than you are by the symptoms of the flu.
To lessen your risk of catching Influenza the following measures are suggested:
- Strict attention to hand sanitisation or hand washing is known to decrease the spread of most viruses by up to 50%
- Cover your mouth if you cough or sneeze, preferably with a tissue which can then be disposed of.
- If you have symptoms of flu, the most important thing you can do is stay at home and telephone for advice.
- Keeping a distance of 1 metre (3 feet) from other people will slow the transmission of this virus.
- Use face masks only if you are nursing a relative/friend with ‘flu or if you are coughing. Be aware face masks are not effective after they have been worn for 20 minutes.
For more information click here for a longer article on Swine Flu.
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