Flu

Influenza, or ‘flu’, is a highly contagious acute viral infection that affects people of all ages. It typically starts suddenly with fever, chills, headache, aching muscles, general prostration and a cough or other respiratory symptoms. While most people recover without complications in 1-2 weeks, flu can cause serious illness and death, especially in the very young and the elderly. Flu epidemics occur mainly in the winter months and can result in widespread disruption to healthcare and other services. A vaccine is produced every year based on the strains of virus expected to be circulating.

Flu Vaccinations

Flu vaccines now being offered to all patients over 65 and patients with a chronic disease.
Drop in sessions and pre-bookable appointments are available including late nights & saturday morning at both Nelson & Barrowford. Please ask reception for details.    

Please note that influenza injections are only available to patients over 65 years old and to younger people in specified at risk groups such as those with diabetes, chronic heart disease and asthma/COPD. If in doubt please ask our practice nurses or reception staff for help.

Some patient information documents on flu are shown below:

Preventing Flu

Flu and flu-like illnesses

Depatment of health useful flu links