Got any questions about flu? Ask GP and broadcaster, Dr Rosemary Leonard! chance to win £300 voucher! NOW CLOSED

[EllieMumsnet]

As winter draws in, it’s crucial to look after ourselves, our families and our little ones. Flu in particular can be a threat at this time of year. Despite the flu being a fairly common illness, its causes, symptoms and remedies can cause some confusion.

With that being said, GP and broadcaster, Dr Rosemary Leonard is here to answer your flu queries and questions. Whether you have questions about the flu vaccination, symptoms in younger children or want to know more about the flu remedies that are out there, Dr Rosemary is here to help.

Dr. Rosemary Leonard, GP and broadcaster, said: “Young children’s bodies can find it hard to cope with flu, so it is especially important to protect them with the vaccine. The nasal spray is a quick, effective and painless alternative to needles.

Once ill, children also tend to spread infection more than adults. The vaccine helps to reduce the spread of flu to other more vulnerable family members, such as grandparents.”

Post any questions you have about the flu on the thread below and we’ll choose 20 for Dr. Rosemary to answer and then post a link to the responses as soon as possible. Everyone who posts their questions will be entered into a prize draw where one MNer will win a £300 voucher of their choice (from a list).

Here is some information about Dr Rosemary Leonard:
Rosemary has been the resident doctor on BBC Breakfast, and writes a weekly column for the Daily Express and Sunday Express Magazine. She is also the Medical editor and feature writer for Woman and Home magazine. She is still a practising doctor, working as the senior partner at a practice in south London. She has worked as the national GP representative on the Committee on Safety of Medicines, been a member of the Human Genetics Commission and a non- executive Director of the Health protection Agency. She trained in medicine at Cambridge University, where she was awarded double first class honours. She was awarded an M.B.E. for her services to healthcare in 2004, and was awarded ‘Health Advice Columnist of the Year’ in 2016.

Thanks and good luck!

MNHQ

Standard Insight T&C’s apply

[WelshMumof1]

Since babies can't be vaccinated, would you recommend parents of young children get the vaccination even if healthy or is there no need?

[Beach11]

My DS that had flu nasal spray has suffered with runny nose, sore throat & generally feeling unwell for 2 weeks since that vaccine. How long do the side effects last?

[PotatoesPastaAndBread]

As several posters have asked: why is it not available to under 2s? I've have a young baby - should she be vaccinated? Should I?

[nemno]

Is the nasal spray as effective as the jab? Are they the same dose? Thank you

[PurplePillowCase]

why do nurses/drs who give the flu vaccine not give the full package leaflet to patients/parents to read?

[modzy78]

When is the best time (i.e. month) to get the flu jab? I've already had mine because I saw the GP was offering clinics and felt the timing was good to go to the pharmacy. But my daughter won't get hers until the end of the month. Seems a bit odd to leave children exposed for so long.

[ClaireJ89]

my children were born September 2015, can I clear up whether they would qualify for the vaccine please?ouir doctors surgery says no.

[Creamswirls]

@Jocelynne123 No, she can’t.

@CMOTDibbler Death

[WowOoo]

It may well have been asked but why can't adults have the nasal spray rather than the jab? I'd much prefer the spray.

[CopperPan]

What time of year is it best to get the flu jab? I always forget to bring proof of being a carer to get a free jab and then it's often winter by the time I get around to it.

[littlemonkeyz]

I once broke out in hives a few days after my flu jab (they started spreading from the injection site). Do you think that I had an allergic reaction to the flu and is it safe to have another flu jab?

[SpecialAgentDaleCooper]

Of all the people I know that have the flu jab the majority seem to have a bad cold afterwards. Is this the norm? (to be ill after the jab)

[StillNoFuckingEyeDeer]

Is there an alternative way to make vaccines that doesn't use eggs?

[riojaandcorrie]

I want more information regarding the long term side effects of the jab and the nasal spray. Have there been RTC’s completed regarding the long term effects.

I’ve also read articles regarding the effectiveness on the flu as the virus changes so quickly by the time you get the vaccine, it’s out of date. What percentage of those vaccinated will actually help?

[ArgyMargy]

I'm in my 50s and have never had flu. None of my direct family have ever had flu. Should I have a flu jab?

[IceBearRocks]

We are a family of 5. DH has MS, DS10 has high functioning autism, DS8 has rare gene mutation and us severely disabled, DD6 has asthma.
I am DS8's carer ... I get flu jab, do dies DS8,:DH due to MS and DD6 as she has asthma. DS 10 despite his autism does not get the immunisation. The rest of the family do...surely he should get it too and we are protecting FH and DS8 ?
Flu could kill our family!

[HELENSCRESCENT]

my daughter was hospitalised woth pneumonia last year and id like to know if the flu jab protects again this? Thank you

[elizaco]

Can employers (eg hospital or school) insist their employees get a flu jab?

[IceBearRocks]

DS8 gets jab as he is severely disabled. I am his carer do I get it, DD6 has asthma do gets it, DH has MS so he gets it!!! DS10 doesn't get it !!! Seem crazy that the rest of the family do! He's still putting the rest of us at risk!
Why not immunise as a family especially if severly disabled children are in the household?

[BlackeyedPetitsPois]

Why can I not get my nearly 2 year old vaccinated? Out of the whole family she is the one who in my opinion needs it the most!

The gp won't do it as she is under 2 years, even though they have prescribed her an inhaler for asthma. They say she isn't at risk because it's not a chronic condition for her.
I can't get her vaccinated privately as she is under 16.

The poor mite gets very poorly every time she picks up an infection - it goes straight to her chest.

I know the nasal spray vaccine isn't licensed for under 2's, but surely the jab could be administered in her case?!

[madeyemoodysmum]

Helenscresennt
My dd and myself have both had the pneumonia vaccine on the NHS asthma. but I believe you can have it done privately for about £70. Gives upto 20years protection.

[Helsbells68]

Why is it that when one person in the house gets a really bad cold or the flu not everyone else catches it from them. Is it just pure luck or how healthy you are?

[malisa]

The nasal spray - For what age child is suitable to use and are there any side effects?

[AVT5]

is it better to have a nasal spray or jab? or does it depend on age to which is more effective?

[Hairq]

I'm really worried about flu this year as it's predicted to be bad because Australia etc had a bad strain this year. Is looking at their stats an effective at if predicting our fly season or is it speculation?