[0:00]Hello, I'm Dr. Al and I'm a consultant in respiratory medicine. I'm going to talk to you about the importance of getting a flu vaccine. What is the flu? The flu is an acute respiratory infection that's caused by the influenza virus. There are different types of flu viruses, for example, influenza A, B, and C. It's a common illness and it usually gets better on its own within a week. The common symptoms are a sudden fever, an ache, tiredness, a dry cough, and a sore throat. Sometimes the symptoms of flu can be confused with the common cold, but the flu symptoms are usually much more severe. How does the flu spread? The flu virus is present in the millions of tiny droplets that come out of the nose and mouth when someone with the flu coughs or sneezes. These droplets can then be breathed in by other people or picked up by touching surfaces where the droplets have landed. The virus can live on hands and surfaces for up to 24 hours. The flu virus spreads very easily and can spread rapidly, especially in closed communities like schools, nursing homes, and hospitals. Once someone is infected, it takes one to four days for the symptoms to develop. People are usually most infectious from the day before symptoms start and for another three to seven days. Who should get the flu vaccine? The flu vaccine is offered every year to people at risk of getting seriously ill from the flu. This year, the flu vaccine will be offered to all adults aged 65 and over, people with certain medical conditions, pregnant women, frontline health and social care workers, children aged 2 and 3, and all primary school children. When should I get the flu vaccine? The flu vaccine is available every year from September to February. It's best to have the flu vaccine in the autumn before the flu season starts. This will give you the best protection throughout the winter months. What are the benefits of the flu vaccine? The flu vaccine helps protect against the flu. It also helps reduce your risk of serious complications and from spreading the flu to others. Every year, the flu vaccine is changed to match the types of flu virus that are predicted to be circulating each year. So it's important to get it every year, even if you had it last year. What about side effects? The flu vaccine is very safe and effective. Serious side effects are very rare. The flu vaccine does not contain any live viruses, so it cannot give you the flu. Some common side effects may include a mild fever, muscle aches, and a sore arm where the vaccine was injected. These side effects are usually mild and disappear within a day or two. For more information, please speak to your GP, pharmacist, practice nurse, or visit the NHS website.