"Why do I need a flu shot?"

You can feel it in the air; there’s no denying it… winter is just around the corner. So you know what that means: flu season is coming too. If you’ve ever caught it, you know it’s the worst; the flu can put you out of action for weeks.

Luckily, preparing and protecting yourself against the dreaded flu bug is easy with an annual flu shot.

"Should everyone get a flu shot?

It’s recommended everyone over the age of 6 months should get a flu shot every year. Certain types of people—including those over 65 years of age, pregnant women or people with chronic illnesses—are at greater risk of catching the flu. Visit your local GP and discuss whether a flu shot is right for you.

"But I got a flu shot last year, do I really need another one?"

There are a couple of reasons you should get a flu shot every year. Firstly, your body’s immune system becomes resistant to vaccinations over time, so an annual ‘booster’ puts you in better standing. Also, the flu is a particularly clever virus; it’s constantly changing and evolving, so every year the flu vaccine is reviewed and reformulated to protect you against any new strains.

"I’ve heard they actually inject you with the virus. Is that true… will I get sick?"

This is a common myth. You can’t catch the flu from a flu shot.

Flu shots are created using inactive viruses, or no virus at all. They work by creating antibodies that allow your immune system to recognise those nasty germs and fight them off so you don’t get sick.

"I hate needles. What can I do to protect myself instead?"

If you can’t get a flu shot there are plenty of other things you can do to boost your immune system and prepare for the coming winter, including diet and lifestyle choices. For more information, check out our top tips for for boosting your immune system.