The History of the Flu and How to Protect Your Future Health

Flu can affect anyone, but it can be especially dangerous for certain vulnerable groups. Getting your flu vaccine is one of the most effective ways to reduce your risk of serious illness, prevent the spread of the virus, and ensure you and your family stay protected.

Here’s a simple guide to getting vaccinated this flu season.

The History of the Flu and Impact of Vaccination

Influenza has been a serious public health threat for centuries, with the 1918 Spanish Flu being one of the deadliest pandemics, claiming millions of lives, including over 200,000 in the UK. Since the introduction of the flu vaccine in the 1940s, flu-related deaths have significantly decreased.

In the UK, annual flu vaccination programmes have dramatically reduced hospitalisations and fatalities, especially among vulnerable groups like the elderly and those with chronic conditions. The flu vaccine continues to be one of the most effective ways to protect against serious illness and reduce the spread of the virus.

Who Should Get the Flu Vaccine?

At Wilmslow Road Pharmacy, we recommend that everyone over 6 months old gets the flu vaccine in Manchester.

However, some groups are more at risk. Both those over the age of 65 and individuals working in care homes and with the elderly should get vaccinated. Older adults are more at risk of experiencing flu complications, while those looking after them should get vaccinated to help prevent the spread for residents and in the workplace.

In addition, those working with children and young people aged 2 to 11 should get vaccinated. Parents, particularly expectant mothers, should also get vaccinated.The flu vaccine not only protects you but also your unborn baby, reducing the risk of flu-related complications.

Healthcare workers should also consider getting the vaccine, to help prevent the spread of the flu amongst their patients - patients with chronic health conditions such as asthma and heart disease, who are more susceptible to contracting and suffering complications from the flu.

If you have any vulnerable individuals in your home, the flu vaccination is also recommended.

How to Get the Flu Vaccine at Wilmslow Road Pharmacy

Getting the flu vaccine in Manchester at Wilmslow Road Pharmacy is a quick and simple process. Here’s how you can get vaccinated:

1. Book an Appointment

To ensure a smooth and efficient process, we encourage you to book an appointment for your flu vaccination. You can either call us directly, visit our pharmacy in person, or book online through our website. Appointments are available throughout the week, making it convenient to find a time that suits you.

2. Consultation

When you arrive for your appointment, our trained pharmacists will have a quick consultation with you to ensure the vaccine is suitable for your health needs. This is your chance to ask any questions or raise any concerns you may have about the vaccine.

3. Vaccination

The flu vaccine is a simple injection, typically administered in the upper arm. The process takes just a few minutes, and our experienced pharmacists will make sure you’re comfortable throughout. After your vaccination, you’ll be asked to wait for a short period to ensure there are no immediate side effects. The injection site may be sore for a day or two after getting the vaccine.

Why Get Vaccinated Early?

Getting the flu vaccine in Manchester early, before flu season reaches its peak, offers the best protection. It takes about two weeks after vaccination for your body to develop full immunity, so the sooner you get vaccinated, the better prepared you will be.

By getting vaccinated early, you reduce the risk of catching and spreading the flu when the virus becomes more prevalent in the community. Early vaccination also helps ease the strain on healthcare services, which often see an increase in flu cases during the colder months.

Protecting Your Loved Ones

Getting vaccinated is not only about protecting yourself; it’s about safeguarding those around you. The flu can spread quickly, particularly in households, workplaces, and schools. By getting the flu vaccine, you help reduce the transmission of the virus, protecting those who may be more vulnerable, such as young children, elderly relatives, or friends with health conditions.

Book Your Flu Jab Today

At Wilmslow Road Pharmacy, we’re here to make sure you and your loved ones are protected this flu season. Don’t wait until the flu is already spreading—book your flu vaccine in Manchester today and stay healthy throughout the winter months.

Contact our team, or book your appointment online. Let’s work together to keep our community safe and flu-free!

This blog was written by Pharmacy Mentor on behalf of Wilmslow Road Pharmacy.