This is a special clinic offering additional hours aimed at helping address the large number of patients suffering from respiratory related ailments – such as colds, flus, coughs, sore throats, sneezes or running noses – at this time of year.

Patients with other ailments should continue to seek appointments during regular surgery hours.

To book your place for this clinic, please follow this link>>>

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Symptoms include headache, fatigue, an increase in body temperature as well as general aches and pains. The common cold, by contrast, generally starts with a sore throat and a runny nose.

The flu virus is an unpredictable virus. Complications of flu include bronchitis, pneumonia and ear infections. Because a number of different variations of the flu virus exist, we advocate that our patients get vaccinated each year.

HSE research has shown that increased vaccinations lead to a reduction in the rates of flu-like illness which in turn means less hospitalisation. In Ireland, between 200 and 500 people die from flu each winter.

How the flu vaccine works

The flu vaccine helps the immune system to produce antibodies which will prevent infection when the vaccinated person comes into contact with the flu virus.

Who should get the flu vaccine?

Children aged 2-12 years can receive the vaccine free of charge. We administer the vaccine by nasal spray.

We recommend vaccination for everyone and particularly for those in the following groups:

• People who are over 65 years old
• Anyone with long-term medical conditions
• People with Down Syndrome
• People with a body mass index (BMI) of over 40
• Pregnant women (can be given at any stage of pregnancy)
• Healthcare workers and carers
• People living with those in an ‘at-risk’ group

When to book your flu vaccine appointment?

At Hazelhill Family Practice we recommend that you book your flu vaccine as soon as possible before the virus is in greater circulation. The added factor of Covid-19 in our community means it’s now more important than ever to look after our health and that of our loved ones.

How do I make an appointment at Hazelhill Family Practice?

To book your flu vaccination consultation at Hazelhill Family Practice click here.

You can also call the Hazelhill Family Practice on 094 9630091/ 094 9632170.

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However, Hazelhill Family Practice advises at risk groups they should still get vaccinated if they haven’t already done so. This is because flu viruses are expected to remain circulating in the air for at least another three to four weeks.

Decreased influenza like illness activity

According to the national Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC), influenza like illness (ILI) activity has decreased since the third week of January. ILI rates dropped from 65 per 100,000 population to 30 per 100,000 population the week ending January 19^th.

The number of hospitalisations also fell from 609 during the second week of January to 351 during the third week. The highest hospitalisation rates continue to be among those who are either over the age of 65 or under the age of 5.

The HPSC figures show that vaccination, especially for those in the at-risk group, is vital.

Who are the at risk groups?

People in at risk groups include:

• Those who are over the age of 65
• Pregnant women
• Individuals with long-term chronic illnesses such as cancer and diabetes.

Why the flu vaccination is still vital

Besides the fact that the viruses are expected to continue circulation in the air for the next few weeks, it is essential to get vaccinated if you belong to an at risk group.

• To date, there have been almost 3,100 hospitalisations as a result of flu.
• 103 of these individuals have been admitted to critical care units.
• 52 people, who mostly belong to the over-65 age demographic, have died of flu.

As the HPSC says, “Vaccination remains the most effective means of preventing infection by seasonal influenza viruses and can reduce severe diseases that can lead to hospitalisation and death. The vaccination takes two weeks to take effect once received”.

The flu vaccine is available free of charge for anyone in at risk groups aged 10 years and older from GPs and pharmacists. An administration charge, however, applies to those who don’t hold medical cards or GP visit cards.

How to deal with flu?

Those who are suffering with flu are advised to take the following steps to ease the symptoms:

• Make sure that you stay at home and take enough rest.
• Drink plenty of hot fluids to keep yourself hydrated.
• Feel free to take over the counter remedies like paracetamol.

Book a flu vaccine appointment with Hazelhill Family Practice, Ballyhaunis by clicking here>>>

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No one likes to be laid up with the flu. A dose of the flu can leave people out of action for a week.

Even more seriously, the flu can pose extremely serious health effects for some at risk groups.

Flu symptoms include sore throat, running nose, muscle aches, dry cough, headache, fatigue and fever.

Contact the practice to make an appointment for the flu vaccine and avoid these problems. The quickest way to make an appointment is through this website. We also take appointments by phone.

The flu vaccine works by helping your immune system produce antibodies. These antibodies then fight the flu virus if they come into contact with it.

The flu vaccine is particularly recommended for the following groups:

• People who are 65 years of age and over.
• People who are pregnant.
• Children or adults with long term health conditions.
• People who are working in healthcare.
• A carer or household contact of those who have at increased medical risk of flu.
• Anyone working in a nursing home or other long term care facility.
• People who are in regular contact with pigs, poultry or water fowl.

Those who are taking medicines called combination checkpoint inhibitors should not get the flu vaccine, while anyone who has had a severe allergic reaction to a previous dose should also avoid taking the vaccine.

It is also recommended that flu vaccine appointments should be re-scheduled if you have an acute illness with a temperature above 38°C.

Please note, it can take up to 2 weeks for the flu vaccine to take effect. That’s why we encourage our patients to make their appointment sooner rather than later.

Click here to make your flu vaccine appointment>>>

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