Don't underestimate seasonal flu - remember to get your annual flu jab

There has been so much coverage about swine flu this year that is is very important to remind people not to forget about getting their normal annual flu jab.

People should not underestimate the effects of seasonal flu.  It is not the same as getting a cold.  It can seriously affect your health and the risks of developing complications are greater if you have certain pre-existing medical conditions.  Every year, approximately 8,000 people suffer flu-related deaths in the winter months in England and Wales.

Seasonal flu, also known as influenza, is a highly infectious illness caused by a virus.  The virus, which is different from swine flu (H1N1) changes every year as does the vaccine, so it is important that those at risk ensure they receive the jab to protect themselves.

If you are over 65 or in any of the at risk groups (including people with a chronic heart or chest complaint, chronic kidney disease, diabetes, lowered immunity due to a disease or treatment or who live in long stay residential accommodation), the advice, especially at this time of the year, is to visit your local surgery and get the vaccination as soon as possible.  This is the best form of protection for you and others.

The best way to avoid flu is to get immunised, but, in addition, people can protect themselves by practising good hand hygiene.  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.

Flu.  Protect yourself and others.

See our swine flu page for advice and information on the H1N1 virus.

 

Listen to David Salisbury, Director of Immunisation at Department of Health explain why getting the jab can be so important.