Influenza * What is influenza? Influenza, commonly known, as the "flu" is a disease caused by the influenza virus. The illness is highly contagious before symptoms occur and can be characterised by abrupt onset of fever, muscle aches, joint aches, headache, cough and malaise. It can be progress to complicated pneumonia and prolonged tiredness. * Is the influenza vaccine safe? Yes, the vaccine is not a live vaccine. It contains only inactivated virus particles, but at times people will experience minor side effects from the vaccine. These side effects can last a couple of days. You may also feel a slight soreness at the site of the vaccination. There are instances when people should not receive the flu vaccination. If you are still unsure you can discuss this with our experienced staff at the time of the vaccination session. * Can the influenza vaccine cause the flu? The answer is no. If you do develop a runny nose or a sore throat this may be due to another infection. The influenza vaccine will not protect you against normal common colds.  * Do I need a "flu" vaccine each year? Each year the vaccine is formulated to combat the influenza virus strains that are expected to be a problem in that particular year. It is recommended you have the vaccine each year to be protected against the current strains. * Is it possible to catch the "flu" after I have been vaccinated? Immunity against influenza will take about two weeks following vaccination. You are advised to avoid contact with people who may have influenza until your body has had time to build antibodies. * Can I have the "flu" vaccination if I am pregnant? Influenza vaccine is safe for pregnant women. There is evidence from a number of studies that pregnant women, particularly during the second and third trimester, are at increased risk of influenza-associated complications. It is also recommended that all women who are planning a pregnancy during the influenza season be vaccinated in advance, so that they will be protected during that period.