Flu jab

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Flu is a highly infectious illness, which spreads very rapidly by coughs and sneezes from people who are already carrying the virus. The virus circulates every winter, usually over a period of a few weeks, so that a lot of people get ill around the same time.

The flu jab is the best protection against the virus. You can get a free flu jab if you are:

65 or over,
living in an old peopleâ€™s home or nursing home,
are over 6 months old and have a long-term (chronic) condition such as a heart or chest problem including asthma, kidney disease or diabetes, or
have a lowered immune system due to disease or treatment such as steroid medication or cancer treatment.

Your GP may also advise you to have the flu jab if you have serious liver disease.

Why should it be done?
When should it be done?
How does it work?
Cautions