Flu season has come early - should you buy a vaccine this year?

Flu has come early this year and experts predict it could be a particularly nasty season because a new strain of the virus is circulating.

The NHS has already sent out a "flu jab SOS" to vulnerable people.

How bad might this winter be, and should you buy a flu jab even if you are generally fit, even if you have to pay for it?

The NHS offers a free flu vaccine to people who need it most, including:

• anyone aged 65 or over
• those have certain long-term health conditions
• pregnant women
• care home residents
• carers for older or disabled people, or those who receive a carer's allowance
• people who live with someone who has a weakened immune system

Frontline health and social care workers can also get a flu vaccine through their employer.

A nasal spray version of the flu vaccine is also offered to children aged 2 to 3 years as well as school-aged children (reception to year 11).

Children can catch and spread flu easily. Vaccinating them also helps protect others who are at higher risk of getting seriously ill from flu.

Everyone else has to buy one.

Even if you are healthy, you might still want to buy a flu vaccine this winter.

Vaccines still work against the drifted influenza A(H3N2) strain that some are calling "super flu".

High street chemists sell the vaccine for around £20.

It's best to get vaccinated sooner to protect yourself during winter.

The vaccine usually takes up to 14 days to work.

During this period, you're still vulnerable to catching the virus.

Some people mistakenly think the vaccine has given them flu, but the vaccine does not cause flu - instead, it gives your body the instructions it needs to fight off an infection should you catch it.

There's still a chance you might get flu after getting vaccinated, but it's likely to be milder and not last as long.

Protection decreases over time which is why a vaccine is offered every year.

The vaccine is frequently updated to best match the strain or version of flu that experts expect will be circulating.

There are lots of coughs and colds doing the rounds. So how do you know if you have flu rather than something else? Your symptoms can give a clue.

Colds

• Symptoms appear gradually
• Mostly affect nose and throat
• Early sign - pressure in your ears
• Chestier, mucus cough

Flu

• Comes on suddenly
• Feel wiped out
• Fever, muscle aches, exhaustion
• Need bed rest
• Dry cough

Covid

• Typical flu symptoms
• Loss of taste or smell
• Diarrhoea or tummy upset

If you're meeting people indoors, open a window for fresh air.

Practise good hygiene:

• cough into your bent elbow, or use a tissue and dispose of it afterwards in the nearest bin
• wash your hands frequently with warm water and soap
• clean your surroundings often, especially areas that are touched frequently such as door handles

If you are unwell but must go out, consider wearing a face mask to help protect others.