Health

Everything you need to know about the flu vaccination

The flu can cause havoc in the workplace over winter. Giving your employees access to the flu vaccination could help stop the virus before it stops your business.

Flu is a respiratory disease that is highly infectious and, in vulnerable people, dangerous. The viruses that cause flu spread through airborne germs and contaminated surfaces such as phones and door handles, making the office an ideal breeding ground. The flu bug has the potential to keep large numbers of the workforce at home, but making the flu vaccination available to employees can help limit its impact.

The difference between cold and flu

There are 200 viruses that cause colds and three types of flu viruses. Colds and flu share many symptoms, but flu is more serious and debilitating.

Cold symptoms:

• Runny and/or blocked nose
• Sore throat
• Sneezing
• Cough

Flu?symptoms:

• Fever (38C-40C)
• Muscle aches and pains
• Sweating
• Exhaustion
• Dry, chesty cough1

Why have the flu vaccination?

The flu jab is the best protection from flu viruses and while it?s not 100 per cent guaranteed to prevent the disease, it will lessen the severity of the illness if you?re unlucky enough to still catch it. Flu viruses mutate and new vaccines must be created each year so it?s important to get vaccinated annually.

Are there side effects?

You may have a slight temperature and aching muscles for a few days but, contrary to popular belief, you can?t catch flu from a flu vaccination.

When should I have the flu jab?

The best time to have a flu vaccination?is between the beginning of October and November, although if you miss this period, the vaccine will still be effective and available over winter.

What does the flu vaccine involve?

Flu is one of the biggest causes of short-term illness in the workplace, but a flu vaccination?is a simple and cost effective way to keep your employees healthy. Workplace schemes and company-wide health insurance mean that immunising your business against the flu virus is quick and easy. A nurse can visit the workspace to give the jab ? they simply need a room, a table and chairs.

Flu jabs could be the best investment you make this winter. With appropriate health insurance, organising company-wide flu vaccinations is quick and easy and could be a key weapon in keeping your employees and your business in good health.

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