At risk groups reminded to have flu vaccine

Dr Jane Rossini, Director of Public Health for NHS Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale

At-risk groups in the borough are being reminded to have their free flu vaccination as cases locally and across the country continue.

Pregnant women are among the groups who should get vaccinated as they are four times more likely to suffer complications if they catch the H1N1 virus (swine flu) which is circulating this year.

It is recommended you have a flu jab if you: 

• are 65 or over
• are pregnant – pregnant women who catch H1N1 are four times more likely to develop complications and ten times more likely to become so ill that they need hospitalisation
• have a serious medical condition, such as chronic heart or respiratory disease
  live in a residential or nursing home
• are the main carer for an elderly or disabled person whose welfare may be at risk if you fall ill
• are a healthcare or social care professional directly involved in patient care
  work with poultry

Dr Jane Rossini, Director of Public Health for NHS Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale said: "Vaccination is the single most effective method for controlling the spread of influenza viruses, helping to protect you, your friends and your family. There are three strains of flu circulating this winter and one of these strains is H1N1 which this year’s seasonal flu vaccination affords protection against.”

In addition to vaccination, people can protect themselves by practising good hand hygiene with the ‘catch it, bin it, kill it’ technique. This means carrying tissues, covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue, disposing of the tissue after one use, and cleaning hands as soon as possible with soap and water or an alcohol hand gel.

Babies and small children with flu may also appear drowsy, unresponsive and floppy. It is important that babies and small children are carefully assessed by a clinician or a GP.

Dr Nick Dawes, Medical Director and Local GP for NHS Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale said: “Common colds are frequently confused with flu, but flu can be potentially life-threatening, and will generally require weeks of recovery time. Those at greater risk of developing serious complications from flu should see their GP as soon as possible to protect themselves from the virus in the months to come. It’s not too late to get your flu vaccine.”

Caring for yourself at home

If you have flu symptoms it is important to get plenty of rest and drink fluids. You can take paracetamol-based cold remedies to lower your temperature and relieve symptoms. Please avoid going to A&E with flu symptoms unless you have been told to attend by a clinician or healthcare professional.

For more information about seasonal flu, symptoms and treatment visit www.nhs.uk/flu or talk to your local GP, nurse or pharmacist.