As winter approaches people most at risk of developing serious complications from seasonal flu are being urged to take advantage of a free jab.
Seasonal flu is responsible for the deaths of around 8,000 people a year in England and Wales – many of them elderly.
People aged 65 and over are offered the seasonal flu vaccine, as well as adults and children aged six months to 65 years who are in ‘at risk’ categories because they have long term conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, asthma, multiple sclerosis, serious kidney and liver disease.
This year the flu jab is also being offered to pregnant women and carers.
Those who had the seasonal flu vaccine last year will need a new seasonal flu jab this winter.
This is because the virus changes every year and the vaccine needs to match the latest version of the virus.
The H1N1 virus that caused the swine flu pandemic last year will still be around this winter, so this year's (2010–2011) seasonal flu vaccination will include a vaccine to protect against this virus.
Jenny Greenfield, Seasonal Flu Lead for NHS East Sussex Downs and Weald and NHS Hastings and Rother, says:
"The seasonal flu virus is a serious illness, not to be confused with a common cold.
It can take weeks of recovery time. For some people with existing conditions and for older people it can be life-threatening.
Those at greater risk of developing complications from seasonal flu should contact their local surgery as soon as possible to protect themselves in the months ahead.
Seasonal flu is not to be underestimated, and can increase the risk of more serious illnesses such as pneumonia."
See your GP about the flu jab if you’re 65 or over, or if you have any of the following problems (however old you are):
- a serious heart or chest complaint, including asthma
- serious kidney disease
- diabetes
- lowered immunity due to disease or treatment such as steroid medication or cancer treatment
- if you have ever had a stroke
- Your GP may advise you to have a flu jab if you have serious liver disease, multiple sclerosis (MS) or another degenerative disease of the central nervous system.
Talk to your local GP, practice nurse or pharmacist to find out more, or visit www.nhs.uk
