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

339 replies

EllieMumsnet · 26/10/2017 14:09

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

Got any questions about flu? Ask GP and broadcaster, Dr Rosemary Leonard!  chance to win £300 voucher! NOW CLOSED
OP posts:
ilovekitkats · 31/10/2017 11:56

I had the flu jab two years ago and reacted badly and have been afraid to have it again. My arm got swollen and the patch got bigger and bigger and was very itchy.

What is the likelihood of reacting again? Should I try the jab again?

SistersOfPercy · 31/10/2017 12:24

How do scientists know in advance how severe a strain of flu will be in the coming winter?

itsali · 31/10/2017 12:37

Is the flu jab recommended or worth seeking out for adults of all ages?

duck22 · 31/10/2017 12:47

How can I protect my 8 week old from the flu? He is too young for injections and I missed out on this seasons when pregnant. If I pay for the injections will it pass on some protection through breastfeeding?

Harper39 · 31/10/2017 13:03

I have recently been diagnosed with mild asthma so should I now have the yearly flu jab?

cookie09 · 31/10/2017 13:40

Is there a cure for influenza?

snare · 31/10/2017 13:49

I am reluctant to give my son an injection when my daughters did not have the same a few years ago at school. Why have the government changed their policy on giving flue vaccine to certain school children?

mumpetuk1 · 31/10/2017 14:45

Is it true about rubbing Vix on your feet and wear socks to stop a persistent flu cough

Flowerpower321 · 31/10/2017 14:54

To those asking about under 16s- my local independent pharmacy gave my two non-NHS eligible children the flu injection privately- the pharmacist just needs to have done an extra course.

cluckyhen · 31/10/2017 15:00

I have the flu jab every year privately - is this actually lowering my immune system?

skustew · 31/10/2017 16:09

Shouldn't the Vax be available for everyone on working tax credits?

bibopalubop · 31/10/2017 17:09

Are there any allergies or deficiencies that can affect the flu jab?

cheekylittledevil · 31/10/2017 17:55

My husband is not in any of the at risk groups, but would like to have the flu jab as he had nasty bout of man flu last winter. Will his GP give him the jab?

womblelancs · 31/10/2017 18:37

People say that the flu vaccine doesn't have a live virus in it, so why do I know a few people (including me) who have been really ill with flu-like symptoms within 24 hours of having the jab?

piggypoo · 31/10/2017 18:40

I was quite surprised last year, as I got my flu jab, and then about 3 days later came down with an awful dose of the flu. Does the jab take time to kick in, or was that a one-off?

ShowerGel9 · 31/10/2017 18:43

Why did my 2 year old son have the nasel flu vaccination then two days later end up in a coma?

ShowerGel9 · 31/10/2017 18:44

no, sorry. one day later.

ShowerGel9 · 31/10/2017 18:45

My mistake. I must be a little stressed and confused.

SSCRASE123 · 31/10/2017 19:11

Why such a push for vaccination when it's only ever against one strain and that is decided too far in advance to know which strain will be prevalent this winter ?.

ptak5566 · 31/10/2017 19:16

My son only suffers with season asthma should he get the flu jab?

lynsmagoo · 31/10/2017 19:35

Can taking wheat grass daily help keep the flu away?

3out · 31/10/2017 19:43

Why is the flu vaccine for children out so late? We’re well into flu season already.

Why do kids not have the injection, is it to ensure better uptake?

Thank you

myboycraig · 31/10/2017 19:50

Has there been any change in the number of older people catching flu since school children started getting vaccinated?

vickyors · 31/10/2017 20:06

Why is the spray vaccine only available for children?

cakeandteajustforme · 31/10/2017 20:35

I would like to understand why newborn to two year olds aren’t vaccinated against flu. I understand that newborns have some immune resistance from the shot given to mothers in pregnancy, but my eleven month old is heading into this winter with no flu protection.