Flu is a highly infectious illness, which spreads very rapidly by coughs and sneezes from people who are already carrying the virus. The virus circulates every winter, usually over a period of a few weeks, so that a lot of people get ill around the same time.
The flu jab is the best protection against the virus. You can get a free flu jab if you are:
If you have a serious allergy to hens’ eggs, you shouldn’t get vaccinated, and it’s not generally advised if you’re pregnant. If in doubt, ask one of the practice nurses.
Healthy people don’t need to be vaccinated; for most people flu is uncomfortable but not serious.