What Is Influenza? Symptoms, Risks & Why the Flu Vaccine Matters

Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is a contagious viral infection that affects the respiratory system. While many cases are mild and short-lived, flu can cause serious illness in vulnerable people—and even lead to hospitalisation or death.

Here at Ready Health Clinic in Standish, we offer seasonal flu vaccinations to help protect you, your family, and the wider community.

🧫 What Is Influenza?

Influenza is caused by influenza viruses, which spread through respiratory droplets from coughs, sneezes, or touching contaminated surfaces.

There are four types of influenza virus:

• Type A and B – responsible for most human illness and seasonal epidemics

• Type C – usually causes mild symptoms

• Type D – mainly affects cattle, not humans

💡 Influenza A is the type responsible for pandemics and outbreaks like swine flu (H1N1) and bird flu (H5N1). While rare, these animal-origin strains can occasionally infect humans through close contact.

🤒 Symptoms of Influenza

Flu symptoms tend to come on suddenly, and may include:

• High fever and chills

• Dry cough

• Muscle aches (myalgia)

• Headache

• Extreme tiredness

• Sore throat

• Blocked or runny nose

Most people recover within a week or two, but flu can lead to serious complications such as pneumonia, bronchitis, and worsening of chronic conditions.

⏱ Incubation Period

Influenza has a short incubation period of 1 to 3 days, which means people can become contagious before they even realise they’re ill.

🛑 Who’s Most at Risk from Flu?

While anyone can get the flu, certain groups are at higher risk of severe illness:

• Pregnant women

• Young children (especially under 2)

• People over 65

• Those with chronic conditions (e.g. asthma, diabetes, heart disease)

• Immunocompromised individuals

In these groups, flu can lead to hospitalisation or even death.

📊 In some recent flu seasons, the UK has recorded over 20,000 flu-related deaths.

🛡️ How to Prevent Influenza

The best protection against flu is the seasonal influenza vaccine. Other helpful measures include:

✅ Get vaccinated annually
✅ Wash your hands frequently
✅ Avoid close contact with people who are unwell
✅ Practise good cough hygiene – use tissues and bin them
✅ Stay home if you’re feeling unwell to avoid spreading the virus

💉 Seasonal Flu Vaccines in the UK

Every year, the World Health Organization (WHO) analyses flu strains circulating worldwide and recommends the most appropriate strains for that year’s vaccine.

Flu vaccine types available include:

• Inactivated injectable vaccines (the standard flu jab)

• Live attenuated nasal spray vaccine (for eligible children)

• Cell-based and recombinant flu vaccines (available in some adult cases)

Flu vaccines are usually given between September and March ahead of the winter flu season.

📌 You’ll find the latest list of approved vaccines for England in the Annual Flu Letter for England.

💬 Who Should Get the Flu Vaccine?

The flu vaccine is offered free on the NHS to people who are at higher risk, including:

• Adults over 65

• Pregnant women

• Children aged 2–3 or in school years

• People with long-term health conditions

• Frontline health and social care workers

Private flu vaccines are also available for those not eligible through the NHS—ideal for travellers, businesses, or anyone who wants added protection.

📋 Summary Table

Book Your Flu Jab at Ready Health Clinic

Protect yourself this winter—and help stop the spread. At Ready Health Clinic, we offer:
✅ Seasonal flu vaccinations for adults and children
✅ Same-day appointments (subject to availability)
✅ Private flu jabs for travellers and employers
✅ Expert guidance for high-risk groups

📞 Call today or book online to arrange your flu jab.
📍 Serving Standish, Wigan, Chorley, Horwich and beyond.