Flu is not just a heavy cold. Flu occurs every year, usually in the winter, which is why it’s sometimes called seasonal flu. It’s a highly infectious disease with symptoms that come on very quickly. Colds are much less serious and usually start gradually with a stuffy or runny nose and a sore throat. A bad bout of flu can be much worse than a heavy cold.

The most common symptoms of flu are fever, chills, headache, aches and pains in the joints and muscles, and extreme tiredness. Healthy individuals usually recover within 2 to 7 days, but for some the disease can lead to hospitalisation, permanent disability or even death.

Flu vaccines help protect against the main types of flu virus circulating.

They include:

• everyone aged 65 years and over

• everyone under 65 years of age who has a medical condition, including children and babies over 6 months of age

• all pregnant women, at any stage of pregnancy

• all children aged 2 and 3 years (provided they were aged 2 or 3 years on 31 August before flu vaccinations starts in the autumn)

• all children in primary school

• some secondary school-aged children (Years 7 to 11)

• everyone living in a residential or nursing home

• everyone who receives a carer’s allowance, or are the main carer for an older or disabled person

• all those living with someone who has lowered immunity due to disease or treatment

• all frontline health and social care workers

Call the surgery on 0121 743 2018 to book an appointment.

The RSV vaccine helps protect against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), a common virus that can make babies and older adults seriously ill. It's recommended during pregnancy and for adults aged 75 to 79.

Who should have the RSV vaccine

The RSV vaccine is recommended if:

• you're pregnant – the vaccine is recommended during every pregnancy (from 28 weeks onwards) to help protect your baby after they're born
• you're aged 75 to 

Measles is a highly infectious viral illness, so anyone with symptoms is advised to stay at home and phone their GP or NHS 111 for advice, rather than visiting the surgery or A&E, to prevent the illness spreading further.

Anyone who is unsure if their child is up to date with all their routine vaccinations should check their child’s Red Book (personal child health record) in the first instance.

If you are still not sure, or if you need to bring your child up to date with their vaccines, contact your GP practice to check and book an appointment.

To find out more about childhood vaccinations, please visit the NHS website: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations/nhs-vaccinations-and-when-to-have-them/

Measles cases are continuing to rise across the region and transmission is likely to increase following the Christmas period with children preparing to go back to school.

If you think you have measles, call your GP or NHS111 before you visit. This is important - if you spend time with someone who has a weak immune system they can easily catch it and become seriously ill. So if you have symptoms of measles, call ahead and get advice. 

Leaflets are available below for:

Measles leaflet for all patients

Measles leaflet for young people