• " Seasonal " flu is an acute viral infection that spreads easily from person to person. It circulates worldwide. The best way to prevent infection is by vaccination – giving reasonable protection. This depends on WHO " getting it right " with their recommendations ; and there are many other viruses which cause " common colds " or flu-like symptoms.


• As a " universal flu jab " is unlikely for some time ; the flu virus is constantly changing ; and immunity declines over time ; the vaccine needs frequent " reformulation ".



• World Health Organization / WHO issues guidance in February and September each year, for the northern and southern hemispheres respectively. It takes around 6 – 8 months to produce flu vaccines.



• Recommendations for the northern hemisphere are essentially the same for the 2014 / 2015 " flu season " as last year. The vaccine protects against H1N1 ( which caused the " swine flu " pandemic in 2009 ) ; H3N2 ( a strain which can affect birds and mammals, active in 2011 ) ; and B/Massachusetts/2 ( active in 2012 ).


• Recommendations for the southern hemisphere are somewhat different. The vaccine does also protect against H1N1 and H3N2 ; and B/Phuket ( active in 2013 ). The Philippines accepts THESE recommendations for the 2015 " flu season " there, from around July – December.



• The UK " flu season " is from now until May, and it takes a couple of weeks after the flu jab to develop immunity, so NOW is the time to consider having it.



• You may well have to pay for a flu jab in the Philippines, unless you’re a senior citizen.



• The vaccine is free on the NHS as an annual injection to adults over 18 at increased risk ( including everyone over 65 ) and as an annual nasal spray to young children. It’s not needed for everyone. If you’re not in the recommended list, and after discussion with your doctor you still wish the vaccine, it can be purchased ( and given ) at pharmacies for less than £ 20.


• Here are up to date links :-



• http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaccina...a-vaccine.aspx


• http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/diseases/facts/influenza.htm


• http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs211/en/