In simple terms, it’s a short-lasting illness we can catch from other people. It affects the airways and can temporarily make breathing a little more difficult – and causes other symptoms. Most people find having the flu makes them feel uncomfortable.
Due to differences in processing sensory information and difficulties tolerating change, autistic people can find flu symptoms particularly challenging.
Flu spreads between people when they cough or sneeze. In crowded areas such as schools and residential homes it can spread more easily and to more people.
For autistic people who have certain long term health conditions, catching the flu can put them at risk of serious illness.
It’s important to know what you can do to:
- reduce the risk of catching or spreading the flu
- recognise flu symptoms
- manage flu symptoms
What can help
Flu vaccines
(Note: This video was not produced by Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust and may contain adverts.)
What is the flu vaccine?
The flu vaccine helps to protect people from catching flu by reducing the chance that they will get infected with the virus.
Vaccines are usually given by injection into the body via a fine needle. Whilst it can be a bit painful, it is over very quickly. People who are not able to tolerate injections, may be offered a nasal spray instead.
Who can have the flu vaccine?
Flu vaccines are recommended for autistic people who have particular health conditions – such as those affecting the heart, lungs or immune system. They are available for free via the NHS for people who meet these criteria. You can find out more about this by clicking this link:
Click here to read more about the flu vaccine on the NHS website.
Flu vaccines are also recommended and available for:
- people who live in a residential or care home
- the main carer for any person who is eligible for a free flu vaccination
- people living with someone who has a weakened immune system
If you think you might be eligible for a free flu vaccine but are not sure, speak to your GP, specialist nurse or pharmacist about this or use this online service to check your eligibility and book a vaccine appointment:
Click here to check your eligibility and book a vaccine.
People who are not eligible can still get a flu vaccine from a pharmacy.
Not all pharmacies offer this service and costs can vary, so if you are considering this option ask your pharmacist for this information.
When to avoid a flu vaccine
If you have had a serious allergic reaction to a previous dose of the flu vaccine or an ingredient in the flu vaccine, you will not be able to have the flu vaccine.
Some flu vaccines used in the UK contain egg protein. If you have an egg allergy, tell the person vaccinating you. Speak to them or your doctor about an alternative vaccination that would be safe for you.
Information and advice about the flu vaccine
- Sometimes people who have had a flu vaccination still catch the flu, however vaccinated people are much more likely to have milder symptoms.
- The influenza virus can change each winter:
- The vaccine is adjusted regularly to take account of this and to give the highest chance of immunity.
- This is why yearly vaccinations are recommended to give the best possible protection against the virus.
- If you have a flu vaccination, try to get it as soon as possible once flu clinics are available
- This will help you to stay well over the winter
Reasonable adjustments for flu vaccines
Autistic people may find it challenging to have a flu vaccination. This could be because of:
- sensitivity to pain
- anxiety around experiences outside of their usual routine and environment
- differences in communication
- social anxiety
It is helpful if advance plans are made to ensure the autistic person knows what to expect and to arrange for any necessary reasonable adjustments. Reasonable adjustments are adaptations that can be made when a person has difficulties and needs that might otherwise mean they struggle to access the health care they need.
Every autistic person will have different individual needs meaning reasonable adjustments need to be tailored to suit.
To find out if there is a specialist vaccination clinic available ask your GP or nurse; or call the Leicestershire Partnership Trust Patient Contact Hub on 0116 497 5700 – and select option 1 – for the vaccination service.
Such clinics might be better able to provide the types of reasonable adjustments that would help you. For example, they might:
- be staffed by professionals with experience supporting autistic people and people with learning disabilities
- offer flexibility on appointment times – such as extended appointments or appointments at quiet times of the day
- offer options for adaptations to the environment – e.g. reduced noise or lighting levels
- provide easy read information about what to expect
Click here to view an Easy Read flu vaccine leaflet.
Flu prevention
Although it is impossible to avoid all chances of picking up the flu virus, there are steps you can take that could help to stop the spread:
- Stay at home if feeling unwell
- Cover mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing
- Dispose of tissues hygienically by putting them in a bin
- If tissues are not available, cough or sneeze into the crook of the elbow
- Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth
- Wash and dry hands regularly and thoroughly
- Use hand sanitiser with at least 60% alcohol when soap and water are not available
- Keep surfaces, door-handles and light switches clean by wiping with disinfectant
- When it is flu season:
- avoid crowds and large gatherings
- wear a protective face mask
- Look after your general health
- Try to maintain a healthy immune system by eating a balanced diet, exercising and getting enough sleep
- If you are autistic and have a learning disability, you are entitled to have a free annual health check. Ask your GP about this.
Click this link to view information on annual health checks.
- Consider getting the flu vaccine
Recognise flu symptoms
Flu symptoms can vary from person to person – and usually begin around 2 days after being infected by someone who has the virus. Most people recover from fever and other symptoms within a week although flu can cause more serious side effects for people at high risk.
Being aware of what the symptoms of flu look like enables you to take steps to reduce or manage them, and know when to take action to help prevent spreading the virus to others.
Common flu symptoms include:
- Fever or high temperature which starts suddenly
- Dry cough – this can be severe and can last 2 weeks or more
- Sore throat
- Runny or blocked nose; sneezes
- Body aches
- Fatigue
- Nausea or sickness
- Restlessness
- Disturbed sleep
- Reduced appetite
- Change in bowel habit and stomach pain
Anyone with flu will feel uncomfortable, especially in the initial stages, when symptoms are at their worst. It is important to rest and to keep away from other people, to limit the chances of passing it on.
Having the flu not only means a change in bodily sensations but also means a change of plans and routines – and these changes are often challenging for autistic people.
Autistic people can have challenges with processing sensory information in their body and in the environment. Having flu brings them challenges with symptoms such as pain, sickness, changes in body temperature, having a runny or blocked nose, or dealing with different smells such as vomit or vapour rub.
Dealing with the changes and sensations that flu brings on can cause a significant increase in stress levels for autistic people, which can increase their chances of experiencing meltdowns or shutdowns. Click here to view an article on meltdowns and shutdowns.
How to manage when you have the flu
- Find a place to lie down where you are as comfortable as possible
- Adjust bedding, clothing, lighting levels, noise levels, room temperature to meet your needs
- Rest and sleep when possible
- Accept help from others if available, for example, they can:
- Bring you medication, drinks, meals and snacks
- Make sure your environment is comfortable
- Communicate with others on your behalf
- To distract you from symptoms and to alleviate boredom whilst you are resting, you can:
- Listen to audio books, podcasts or the radio (don’t worry if you fall asleep!)
- Watch a favourite movie or TV show or listen to your favourite music – old favourites can be comforting
- Keep warm
- Drink plenty of fluids
- Treat symptoms such as fever and pain with paracetamol
- To ensure the correct dose and frequency, always follow the instructions on the packet
- A pharmacist can give treatment advice and recommend flu remedies if needed.
- Stay home to avoid infecting other people.
- Remember that antibiotics do not work for flu viruses
- Seek medical care if symptoms get worse.
- This may be needed in severe cases and for people in the high-risk groups
Summary
The flu is a short, temporary illness spread by a virus.
Autistic people can find the symptoms of flu more challenging than most other people. Some autistic people may have a health condition that means flu could cause them more serious health issues. It is not possible to completely avoid the risk of catching or spreading flu – but there are steps you can take to try to prevent this, and to reduce the risk of discomfort or harm. These include:
- Having a flu vaccine
- Taking preventative measures to reduce the risk of spread
- Being aware of flu symptoms
- Knowing what treatments and adaptations you can make when you are ill with flu
Remember that whilst flu symptoms make you feel uncomfortable, it is usually nothing to worry about as most people get fully better within a couple of weeks.
Also remember that if you have any concerns about your health, either speak to your doctor or call 111.
To see an easy read leaflet about how to stay well this winter please click here