a new law that is needed. Colds and Flu.

I think there is (or was) a bye-law which said you must not travel on the London Underground if you have an infectious disease (including cold/flu).

*by-law

Why do we need snot on the bread wrapper ?

But seriously, the women is probably frightened to take a sickie as her miserable employer either offers no sick pay or will threaten to replace her. I have no doubt that she would have rather been at home with her Lemsip but simply can't take the risk.

Nearly wrote the same and it is oh so true. Fear is a big factor.

Also, take into account that around October most vulnerable people (elderly, sick etc) are given a flu-jab

The flu vaccine varies in effectiveness. A couple of years ago it was only effective against the main strain in three out of 100 people.

I never knew that stat but I've had one for the past 10 years and feel that it hasn't done me any harm... or has it?

Aspro - maybe I misunderstood you. I thought you were implying that people who are infectious shouldn't be concerned about passing it on to vulnerable people as they will have been vaccinated.

Clearly, this is not the case. The 3% effectiveness was a bad year but the expected rate is only 50%.

Tbf, an infected person will probably pass on the flu before they develop symptoms because if you really have got the flu (as opposed to a heavy cold) you are unlikely to be able to get out of bed once you become symptomatic.

No you didn't misunderstand me; I believed that have the flu jab would, in most cases, help to avoid catching it. If I'm reading you right that isn't as cut and dried as it first appears.

*having

The developers have tp predict which will be the main strain (based upon, I think, the strains that exist where it is winter at the time ie southern hemisphere).

Even if they get this right, the virus can still mutate to the extent that the vaccine is ineffective.

*the developers of the vaccine

Que Sera Sera (What can we do?)

Don't get me wrong - I'm not saying don't get vaccinated. (Take the advice of your GP.)

What I am saying is don't be under the illusion that you are immune. Continue to take ensible precautions such as hand-washing etc

Ventured into Tescos today, never heard such a chorus of coughing, blowing and popping snot bubbles, it'll be a be a miracle if I'm not down with something by next week.  They should have a germ detector at the door and refuse entry to the carriers.

in other words pay the 5p?

I always take a taxi into town so I don't get infected.

I read an article some time ago that said that people are so concerned about health issues (washing hands etc) that they don't build up the anti-bodies to fight infection. Apparently, you need to catch the bugs to future protect yourselves against them. I'm no scientist so maybe more informed forumites could voice their opinions

At my age I am not going out to catch a disease from one of the many immigrants who wander around town - they splutter all over the place and hawking on the pavement
no one does anything about them as it is ray cyst to do so
you ought to the mess they have made in coffee shop toilets
that is apart from all the robberies, pic pocketing and break ins
this is every morning
what's not to like
thankyou

I avoid them like the plague, coughing spitting and farting all over the place.

use a RAY CYST  doctor