General advice for seasonal flu

Latest figures from the Health Protection Agency (HPA) show that levels of seasonal influenza or ‘flu’ are increasing across the UK.

The two main strains of ‘flu circulating this year are Influenza B and H1N1 (2009) 'swine' flu. A small proportion of severe cases have been seen, particularly in people under the age of 65 with underlying health problems. H1N1 is more likely to affect younger people than the elderly.

This year’s seasonal flu vaccine protects against the strains of flu that are circulating this winter, including H1N1 (swine flu). Each year around 1.5 million people across the North West safely have the seasonal flu jab, including pregnant women. Even with a mild flu season, around 2,000 people a year die across the country as a result of flu – the majority of which could have been prevented if they had been vaccinated.

Dr Alec Bonington, consultant in infectious diseases and tropical medicine at North Manchester General Hospital said: “The flu virus moves quickly, spreading from person to person in no time at all. The average sneeze travels at around 80 miles per hour, and can cover distances of up to 30 feet. The flu jab is currently the best way to protect our frontline staff and also the patients and colleagues we come into contact with.”

Professor John Watson, head of the respiratory diseases department at the HPA, said: "It's not unusual to see this level of flu activity at this time of the year but, due to the fact that the H1N1 swine flu is one of the predominant strains circulating at the moment, we are seeing more severe illness in people under the age of 65 than we would usually see. Flu can be an extremely serious illness for pregnant women, the elderly and those with other underlying conditions such as heart problems, diabetes, lung, liver or renal diseases and those who have weakened immune systems.”

Most people who contract flu will start to feel better after a few days without needing to go to their GP or A&E. It is important to stay at home, to reduce the chance of spreading the virus to other people. Avoid visiting friends and relatives who may be at risk, for example those in hospital. If you think you need help or advice, then telephone your GP or your local pharmacist. If your condition suddenly deteriorates is still getting worse after three or four days, then telephone your GP.

In young children under five and particularly infants under one, it is very difficult to distinguish influenza and its complications from other respiratory viral infections and other treatable diseases. Infants should always be reviewed by a health care professional (usually a GP).

If you are in one of the “at risk” groups and you think you could have seasonal flu or require a flu vaccination, telephone your GP for advice.

For more information go to www.nhs.uk or call NHS Direct on 0845 4647.