Prevention- The flu vaccine

Much of the illness and death caused by the influenza virus can be prevented by the annual influenza vaccination. Many individuals still do not have the knowledge or understand the importance or how to get the vaccine and also because at times, stocks can run out of the vaccine. There have been many miss-understandings of the vaccine in the public eye. The vaccine is given each year by an injection. People who are at high risk of getting the influenza virus are strongly recommended to get annual vaccination. These groups of people include:

� Aged over 65

� Chronic respiratory disease

� Chronic heart disease

� Chronic kidney disease

� Chronic liver disease

� Diabetes

� Chronic neurological disease

� Immunosuppression illness

High risk groups also include those working in public sector areas or those in contact with a number of different groups of people, for example : health care workers, those living in close proximity to others, gym environments, air conditioned areas or working.

The vaccine needs to be given each year, this is due to the clever fact that the virus changes continually by mutating. Therefore, each year, the vaccine changes according to the most up to date virus that is present. Also, once a person receives the vaccine, the effectiveness of the vaccine, reduces over time in an individual.

The vaccine should be taken around September of each year and it takes approximately 2 weeks for the beneficially effects of the vaccine to develop.

Dr Preema Vig - MBBS MRCGP

Dr Preema Vig, Aesthetic Doctor and General Practitioner, specialises in non-surgical facial cosmetic rejuvenation using Dermal Fillers and Injectable muscle relaxants. She practices results based aesthetic treatments and regularly attend conferences and continuous training enabling her to keep updated and to learn new techniques.

She has lead, advised and been responsible for one of London's leading prestigious clinics, her job title being Medical Director housing an aesthetic team from doctors to aestheticians, caring for thousands of patients.

She is a member of the British Association of Cosmetic Doctors (BACD), International Academy of Advanced Facial Aesthetics (IAAFA) and International Institute of Anti Aging (IIAA) with over 10 years experience. Dr Vig has trained using the best techniques and latest technologies so patients can be assured of receiving the highest level of both Medical and personal care.

She is also a member of the General Medical Council, British Medical Association, Royal College of General Practitioners and the Medical Defence Union. Dr Vig is registered with the Health Care Commission performing light based and laser treatments.

She graduated in 1997 from the Royal Free Hospital School of Medicine in London. Thereafter she gained all medical and surgical experience in both, The Royal Free Hospital and The North Middlesex Hospital University Trust, London's teaching hospitals,

She became a General Practitioner in 2003 and completed postgraduate training culminating in membership to the prestigious Royal College of General Practitioners. She continues to practice General Practice in central London.

Dr Preema Vig has been asked to speak at various events. She has been interviewed and quoted a number of times in national newspapers and magazines, such as the Times, The Sunday Times, The Daily Mail, Zest Magazine, Psychologies, and local central London newspapers and news letters.

Her recent achievements include winner of "NHS Health Superstar GP of the year" awarded by the Kensington and Chelsea PCT.