This page was written in January 1999 and is preserved unchanged for reference, except for links which were last corrected as necessary in June 2004.
There is currently an outbreak of influenza in the United Kingdom, which is stretching National Health Service resources. The main strain of influenza which has been implicated is the Sydney type (A/Sydney/5/97/(H3N2)-like viruses), and the next most common is the Beijing type (B/Beijing/184/93-like viruses).
This matches the World Health Organisation recommendations, and is thus already in the current vaccine.
The numbers of people being affected have risen rapidly, but are not, as yet, at "epidemic" levels, and are about what has previously been seen at this time of year.
Prevention
In general, October is the ideal time for people in the United Kingdom to have the influenza vaccine. If you have not had the vaccine, it is probably worth having it now, while stocks last, if you belong to one of the high risk groups.
The vaccine takes at least a couple of weeks to become effective, during which time you may be exposed to, and catch, the virus. It is also worth pointing out that no treatment or medication is without the potential for side effects. Try to check with your doctor's surgery on his or her views, and on vaccine availability, before trying to book an appointment.
If you are in one of the particular risk categories (over 75 or suffering with various chronic conditions) make a note in your diary now to have the vaccine in October this year.
Other people fight off influenza better, but it still makes people very ill, and can kill. In the UK the NHS covers vaccination in the particular groups that are most at risk, but it is possible for others to have the vaccine and pay for it.
In fact many employers provide this as a "perk" for their employees, and it can also prove cost-effective, if it keeps their staff at work during an epidemic. It may be worth discussing influenza vaccination with your doctor before October this year.
Further information
- Medinfo Influenza patient information
- Flu reaching peak (BBC News, 7 Jan 1999)
- Public urged to take flu vaccine (BBC News, 7 Jan 1999)
- UK Health Protection Agency Influenza information
This page was written in January 1999 and is preserved unchanged for reference, except for links which were last corrected as necessary in June 2004.
