The annual flu vaccination starts on October 14th. Vaccination is between 14:00 and 15:00 on weekdays in Ísafjörður and during opening hours in Bolungarvík, Suðureyri, Súðavík, Flateyri and Þingeyri. Please make an appointment by calling 450-4500.
There are two A-strains and one B-strain. The second A-strain is A/California/7/2009 (H1N1) and it is the so-called swine flu. The other A strain is A/Perth/16/2009 (H3N2). The B strain is B/Brisbane/60/2008.
What is influenza, what are the symptoms and when does it come?
Influenza is a viral infection characterized by high fever, dry cough, headache, bone pain, often with sore throat and runny nose. The symptoms come on suddenly. An annual epidemic caused by influenza A and usually also caused by influenza B often begins in December or January, but it must be assumed that the beginning of an influenza epidemic can be from October to March. It usually takes 2-3 months for an epidemic to pass.
Is the flu dangerous?
The risk of serious complications from the flu is greatest among the elderly and people with suppressed immune systems, but the flu leads to deaths among seniors every year.
Who is recommended to be vaccinated?
? Everyone who has reached the age of 60.
? Everyone, both children and adults, who suffer from chronic heart, lung, kidney and liver diseases, diabetes, malignant diseases and other immunosuppressive diseases.
? Healthcare professionals who care for individuals in the risk groups listed above.
? Pregnant women.
Those who belong to the above groups get the vaccine free of charge, but do pay an arrival fee.
Others pay an entry fee and ISK 1,000 for the vaccine.
How much protection is there in vaccination?
Vaccination can be expected to provide at least 70% protection against the disease, and it will be milder in those among the vaccinated who become ill. Epidemiologist emphasizes that as many people as possible are vaccinated, not least those who belong to priority groups.
If you need advice, contact your clinic.