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Opening Times
Mon, Wed,
Thurs: 11 - 4

Tuesday: 9 -4

Friday: 10 - 4

Clinics
Tue: 9.30 - 1
Thurs Evening: 6 - 10

Other times
by appointment

Contact Details
Tel: 021 4310311

What is Influenza (Flu)?

Influenza is a highly infectious acute respiratory illness caused by the influenza virus. Influenza affects people of all ages, outbreaks of influenza occur almost every year, usually in winter. While most people recover within a week flu can cause serious illness and death, especially in the very young and in the elderly. A flu vaccine is produced every year to protect against flu.

How do people catch Flu?

Flu is a highly infectious illness. A person carrying the virus can spread the illness by coughing or sneezing. A person can spread the virus from 1-2 days before they develop symptoms and for up to a week after symptoms develop.

What are the symptoms of Flu?

Flu symptoms hit you suddenly and severely. Symptoms of influenza include -

sudden fever,
chills,
headache,
myalgia (muscle pain),
You can often get a sore throat and non-productive dry cough.

Is if flu or the common cold?

Please see table below to distinguish between flu or cold symptoms.

Symptoms	Flu	Cold
Fever	Characteristic high (102-104° F); lasts 3-4 days	Rare
Headache	Prominent	Rare
General Aches, Pains	Usual; often severe	Slight
Fatigue, Weakness	Can last up to 2-3 weeks	Quite mild
Extreme Exhaustion	Early and prominent	Never
Stuffy Nose	Sometimes	Common
Sneezing	Sometimes	Usual
Sore Throat	Sometimes	Common
Chest Discomfort, Cough	Common; can become severe	Mild to moderate; hacking cough

How serious is flu?

Flu is often self limiting with most people recovering in 2-7 days. However, flu can be severe and can cause serious illness and death, especially in the very young and in the elderly. Serious respiratory complications can develop, including pneumonia and bronchitis, to which older people and those with certain chronic medical conditions are particularly susceptible. These illnesses may need hospital treatment and a number of mainly older people die from influenza each winter.

Who is most at risk from flu?

Anyone can get the flu but it is more severe in people aged 65 years and over and anyone with a chronic medical condition. Chronic medical conditions include chronic heart conditions, chronic respiratory disease, diabetes mellitus and those who are immunosuppressed. These groups of people are targeted for influenza vaccination.

How can flu be prevented?

Flu can be prevented by Influenza vaccination. Influenza vaccination is a safe, effective way to help prevent influenza infection, avoiding hospitalisation, reducing influenza related deaths and illnesses. Between 80 – 90% of deaths resulting from influenza occur in the elderly population.

Who should be vaccinated?

The following people should be vaccinated each year.

Persons aged 65 years or older
Younger people with certain illnesses including chronic lung, heart or kidney disease, diabetes or those with a suppressed immune system.
Residents of nursing homes, old peoples’ homes, and other long stay facilities
Home Carers of older people and younger people with above illnesses
Health Care Workers

Can pregnant women or breast feeding women get flu vaccine?

Yes. Flu vaccine only contains killed virus so it is safe to use during pregnancy and breast-feeding. If you are pregnant or breast feeding and are in one of the at risk groups for whom flu vaccine is recommended you should talk to your GP.

What is the charge for the vaccine?

Global Travel Vaccinations charge 15 euros for the flu vaccine. This includes the visit to the doctor (who will prescribe the vaccine and make sure it is suitable for you) and the nurse (who will administer the vaccine).

Discounts are available for groups of 5 or more.

Contact us on 021 4310311, or visit the clinic. Click here to view our location on a map

Do I need flu vaccination every year?

Yes it is very important to protect yourself and get vaccinated every year. The World Health Organisation monitors the strains of influenza circulating every year. The vaccine offers up to 70 - 90% protection from the flu virus and lasts about one year. Annual vaccination with the most recent strains is recommended.

When should I get vaccinated?

Vaccination should ideally be undertaken in late September/October each year and is available at Global Travel Vaccinations, Union Quay Medical Centre, Cork.

Will the Influenza vaccination give me the flu?

No, influenza vaccine will not give you the flu. Influenza vaccine contains killed or inactivated influenza viruses and therefore cannot cause influenza. It does, however, take 10 – 14 days for the vaccine to start protecting against influenza.

What are the potential side effects of the influenza vaccine?

One-third of patients have soreness and redness around the injection site. Rarely Flu-like symptoms can occur six to 12 hours after injection and lasting for about 48 hours.

Who should not be vaccinated?

The vaccine should not be given to persons with known severe allergic reaction to eggs. Always talk to your family doctor if you have any concerns.Do you care for somebody who is at risk from the flu?If so, please help safeguard them and yourself and your family by talking to your family doctor about the flu vaccination.