Protecting Yourself from Flu
Anyone can catch the flu and it can make you really ill.
Things that might happen to you if you have the flu are:
- Blocked up nose
- Painful ear
- Sore throat
- High temperature
- Feel tired or achy.
The flu is caused by a virus. It is contagious – this means you can catch it from someone and you can also pass it on to someone else if you have the flu.
If you’re in Reception class, Year 1, Year 2, Year 3 or Year 4, you will be offered the flu vaccine.
The flu vaccine is something that can help protect you from catching the flu. This will also protect your family and friends because there will be less risk of you passing the flu on to other people.
Your parents or carer will need to give permission for you to have the flu vaccine and we’ll ask them about this.
Does the flu vaccine hurt?
The flu vaccine is given as a nasal spray which is squirted up each nostril. It doesn’t hurt but it might feel a bit funny.
After the flu spray you might have a runny or blocked nose.
If you have any questions about the flu vaccine, you can ask your school nurse.