Q Should I have my flu jab? I felt rotten last time, though it only lasted a few days?

Tamarah, 34

A This is a very timely question, with the flu season approaching. It is recommended that everyone over the age of 65, as well as adults and children with a chronic health condition, have the flu jab. All front-line health workers should also be vaccinated. This includes anyone involved in caring for others, not just doctors and nurses. The vaccine is effective against 60 to 75 per cent of strains, and if you are unlucky enough to get flu despite this, it is often milder than if you had not had the vaccine.

Q My 16-year-old daughter went to the doctors. I’m not sure why she went, but I think it’s because she was worried she was pregnant. I rang the doctor’s surgery, but they refused to give me any information. Are they allowed to do that?

Anastasia.

A I empathise with your distress. However, the doctor treating your daughter will have assessed her capacity to understand information and make decisions, and if she was felt to be competent, this doctor will have then acted both according to her wishes and in her best interests. Individuals can be assumed to have capacity even before 16, provided they can demonstrate it. Patient confidentiality means that the doctor is then duty bound not to inform anyone else about the consultation, unless the patient expressly gives their permission.

If you are concerned about your daughter becoming pregnant, it may be simpler to sit down with her, and explain your fears to her directly.

If you have a question for Dr Zak, please email: askdoctorzak@gmail.com

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Dr Uddin’s advice is provided in good faith and in accordance with currently accepted evidence. However, this content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. You should always seek the advice of a GP, or other qualified health provider, regarding a medical condition.