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FLU CAMPAIGN 2008 Influenza or 'flu' is a respiratory illness associated with infection by influenza virus. Symptoms frequently include headache, fever, cough, sore throat, aching muscles and joints. Influenza occurs most often in winter and usually peaks between December and March. For most people influenza infection is just a nasty experience, but for some it can lead to more serious illnesses. The most common complications of influenza are bronchitis and secondary bacterial pneumonia. These illnesses may require treatment in hospital and can be life threatening especially in the elderly, asthmatics and those in poor health. Influenza immunisation is recommended for patients with any of the following: - Age 65 and over - Respiratory problems - Kidney disease - Liver disease - Heart problems - Diabetes - Stroke - Multiple Sclerosis - Problems with your immune system - Living in residential or nursing homes - Main carer for an elderly or disabled person We will be holding a Flu Clinic on: Saturday 11th October 9.00am – 3.00pm No appointment necessary. We will then have a number of clinics week commencing 13.10.08, 20.10.08 and 27.10.08. Appointments will be needed for these clinics. PNEUMOCOCCAL CAMPAIGN 2008 Pneumococcal disease is the term used to describe infections caused by the pneumococcus bacterium. The bacterium can cause pneumococcal disease, including septicaemia, pneumonia and meningitis. It particularly affects the very young, the elderly, those with an absent or non-functioning spleen and with impaired immunity. Approximately 5,000-6,000 cases of invasive pneumococcal disease are reported annually. There is a seasonal pattern with the greatest number of reports occurring in December and January each year. In addition there are an estimated 40,000 hospitalisations due to pneumococcal pneumonia in England and Wales each year. Pneumococcal immunisation is recommended for patients with any of the following: - - Age 65 and over - - Chronic respiratory disease - - Chronic renal disease - - Chronic liver disease - - Coronary heart disease - - Diabetes - - People with cochlear implants - - People with cerebrospinal fluid leaks Most adults only require one Pneumococcal immunisation in their lifetime. You can have this injection at the same time as your ‘flu vaccination.
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