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.

Bespoke Galen Health Packages

Call 020 7079 2141 for a free fifteen minute telephone consultation to discuss

Every new patient can expect to receive a full world class health examination covering every aspect of overall healthcare, the results of which will form the basis of the consultation with their Galen Health G.P. The patient's Galen Health G.P will also assess future risk according to predictive parameters and an overall health report will be produced for the patient, along with an invitation to attend a follow up consultation to discuss these results and construct a personalised health plan bespoke to that patient.

Working with their Galen Health G.P in accordance with medical need, requirements, ethics and budget, the patient will be involved in the construction of their own bespoke health plan, choosing the level of G.P priority access they require, how often they wish to receive a full medical, number of scan entitlements per year, and much more.

Once a package has been agreed upon the patient will have the option to trade up or trade down according to their health requirements as time goes by and or at each health review. Patients have the facilities at their finger tips to book an appointment online to re-access their current package or just simply come and see their Galen Health G.P.

The ethos behind this is to put your health and your health finances in your hands, why pay for things you don't need or wont use, why find out your not cover for something when you actually need it, work with your own personal medical expert to decide exactly what you do need and exactly what you will use. By looking after your primary health, over time, your medical requirement may become less and as a direct result.