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Directory resultsFlexibility exercises
These flexibility exercises can be done at home to help improve your health and mobility. Don't worry if you haven't done much for a while - the exercises are gentle and easy to follow. Wear loose, comfortable clothing and keep some water handy. Build up slowly and aim…
Flu and the flu vaccine
Flu is a highly infectious illness that spreads rapidly through the coughs and sneezes of people who are carrying the virus. If you're at risk of complications from flu, make sure you have your annual flu vaccine, available each year usually from October onwards. There are two types…
The flu jab
Flu vaccination is available every year on the NHS to help protect adults and children at risk of flu and its complications. Flu can be unpleasant, but if you are otherwise healthy it will usually clear up on its own within a week. However, flu can be more severe in certain…
Flu jab FAQs
When am I most at risk from flu? Does everyone need a flu jab? Why are certain groups targeted for the flu jab? Can a GP vaccinate anyone else? Is my child entitled to the flu vaccine? How long will the flu jab protect me for? …
The flu jab in pregnancy
It's recommended that all pregnant women have the flu vaccine, whatever stage of pregnancy they're at. Why should pregnant women have the flu vaccine? Is the flu vaccine safe in pregnancy? When should I have it? How do I get the flu vaccine? If I…
Flu jab side effects
After the flu jab you may get a mild fever and slight muscle aches for a day or so. If you have a sore arm after the vaccination, try these tips to ease the discomfort: continue to move your arm regularly - don't let it get stiff and sore take a painkiller,…
Food allergies in babies
Babies are more likely to develop allergies if there's a history of eczema, asthma, hay fever or food allergies (known together as atopy) in the family. If your baby has a family history of these conditions, breastfeeding your baby exclusively (breast milk only) for the first six months will…
Food allergy or food intolerance?
Around one or two people out of every 100 in the UK have a food allergy, but having a food intolerance is more common. Food allergies affect around 1 in 50 adults but are more common in younger children. It is estimated that around 1 in 12…
Food and drinks for sport
Find out what food and drink will help you get the most out of your sport and fitness activities. You should aim to eat a healthy, balanced diet whatever your activity level, as this will provide you with all the nutrients you need. If you…
Food and water abroad
Many illnesses are contracted through contaminated food and water. Reduce your risk of diseases like travellers' diarrhoea by following these basic guidelines. Drinking water In countries with poor sanitation, don't drink tap water or use it to brush your teeth unless it has been treated. Filtered,…