Dr Oge speaks about the flu vaccine and explains why she is encouraging people with Lupus to get their winter vaccinations and avoid hospitalisation.
While pandemic restrictions and social behaviours saw flu levels fall dramatically for a few years, the latest mortality figures are a stark reminder that flu is a deadly virus, particularly for those at higher risk, including people receiving long term immunosuppressive treatment for Lupus.
Public Health data shows that over the past two winters at least 18,000 deaths were associated with flu, and in the same two-year winter period the estimated number of deaths associated with COVID-19 was just over 19,500.
Of real concern is the drop in the flu vaccine uptake rates last winter across all eligibility groups in England compared with the previous year.
Lupus makes it harder for your body to fight off diseases, so you’re more likely to get a virus like flu or COVID-19, and more likely to develop serious health problems if you do.
As winter approaches we see many dangerous viruses circulating in our communities including flu and getting vaccinated ahead of winter is by far your best defence.
I have seen first-hand the effect of not being vaccinated, with families losing loved ones or spending weeks visiting them in hospital as they are seriously ill. So, it makes sense to prevent illness in the first place.
The flu vaccine does not give you the flu.
This is because it contains inactivated (not live) flu virus. This allows the body to be exposed to the virus without becoming sick.
If you experience flu-like symptoms after having the vaccination, this could be for a number of reasons, including:
Side effects
The flu vaccine can cause side effects like a fever, muscle aches, or tenderness at the injection site. These side effects are usually mild and show that your body is producing antibodies to protect itself.
Time to take effect
It can take up to two weeks for the flu vaccine to be fully effective. If you're exposed to the flu during this time, you might get sick.
Mismatched viruses
Every year the World Health Organisation recommends which strains should be included in the flu vaccine, with the UKHSA contributing to this work. Vaccines are then developed to help fight off the types of flu viruses expected to be circulating in the coming season. However, the flu viruses used in the vaccine may not match the viruses that are circulating during flu season. In this case, the vaccine will be less effective, but symptoms will be less serious.
Other illnesses
Many other illnesses, like COVID-19, can cause flu-like symptoms.
Flu and COVID-19 jab appointments are now available to book via the NHS website, the NHS App, or by calling 119 for free – making it as easy as possible for you to get vaccinated.
These vaccines have been rigorously tested, are constantly monitored and we know that the benefits of having the vaccinations far outweigh any risk. But it’s completely understandable that people who Lupus may have some concerns about whether or not it is safe for them to receive the vaccines.
If you do have questions or concerns, I encourage you to speak to a trusted healthcare professional. This can be your GP, pharmacist, health visitor or consultant, all of whom can provide evidence-based information.
I encourage everyone who is eligible to get their flu and COVID-19 vaccinations as soon as possible. They are without doubt the best way to protect yourself from these viruses that can cause serious harm.”
Dr Oge Ilozue is a practicing GP and Clinical Advisor for the NHS Vaccination Programme.
