Q: "My toddler has had the flu vaccine - should I have it too, even though I'm not in an at-risk group?"
A: Flu expert Professor Andrew Easton, a virologist at the University of Warwick, says: The provision of the nasal spray flu vaccine for two, three and four-year-old children by the NHS this year will reduce the number of cases in toddlers. However, it's important that parents and older people also take steps to protect themselves, even if they feel healthy.
We're all familiar with flu infections causing a range of unpleasant symptoms such as high temperature, headache, aches and pains, sore throat and coughs, and while these symptoms are very unpleasant, many people consider the infection to be bearable. However, for many in vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly and those with chest, heart and lung disorders, a flu infection can be extremely dangerous and potentially life-threatening.
A recent LloydsPharmacy survey found 58 per cent of UK adults have no plans to be vaccinated this winter. This is concerning as infected people pose a disease risk to those they meet, but particularly their own family members such as children and elderly relatives, and also to their colleagues. Flu can be spread for up to 40 hours before symptoms appear so can be contracted from someone who appears well. It's important to appreciate that unvaccinated people run the risk of infecting other people who might not be able to fight it off easily. Flu vaccines are readily available from your GP or local pharmacy, both of which can provide more information about the vaccination services in your area.