A jab well done
All eligible Royal Mail and Parcelforce staff will be given vouchers this month for influenza vaccinations, after an agreement was reached between the CWU and the business.
The coupons, which will be sent out to colleagues’ home addresses via either direct mailings or as an insert in the September edition of Courier, can be redeemed at local branches of Lloyds Pharmacy, but must be produced with the colleague’s Royal Mail Group ID card.
‘Over 31,000 Royal Mail and Parcelforce workers were affected by the flu outbreak that hit the UK and this resulted in 127,000 days lost to the bug,’ said CWU national health, safety and environment officer Dave Joyce, who added that this also had a detrimental effect on postal services in some areas.
‘If you can, you should try to get your jabs done during September or October, before winter sets in,’ he added. ‘And please don’t forget to take your Royal Mail Group employee ID with you when you redeem your voucher.’
What is Flu?
Influenza or flu is a common infectious viral illness spread by coughs and sneezes, which becomes more common at this time of year.
You can catch flu all year round, but it’s especially common in winter, which is why it's also known as ‘seasonal flu’. It's not the same as the common cold. Flu is caused by a different group of viruses and the symptoms tend to start more suddenly, be more severe and last longer.
Some of the main symptoms of flu include:
- A high temperature (fever) of 38C (100.4F) or above
- Tiredness and weakness
- A headache
- General aches and pains
- A dry, chesty cough
What to do
If you're otherwise fit and healthy, there is usually no need to see a doctor if you have flu-like symptoms. However, if you are concerned about your symptoms it is best to speak to your GP or dial 111. The best remedy is to rest, keep warm and drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration. You can take paracetamol or ibuprofen to lower a high temperature and relieve aches if necessary.
For further health information please visit our Feeling First Class website www.feelingfirstclass.co.uk using the code ‘FFC1’when first registering.
