If you are over 65, pregnant or in an ‘at risk’ group it’s important that you protect yourself against flu. GPs and midwives will be vaccinating patients from the first week of October so if you’ve not got an appointment yet, contact your practice now.
Flu is a highly infectious disease caused by a virus and spreads easily from person to person. Flu is far more serious than a cold. Symptoms hit you suddenly and severely and usually include fever, chills, headaches and aching muscles – you can often get a cough and a sore throat at the same time. Whilst many people who get flu have a minor illness and recover without any complications, a number will develop pneumonia and other complications. Up to 20,000 people die in England and Wales in a ‘bad’ flu year.
As well as the over 65s and all pregnant women, the people at most risk of flu are:
People under 65 years of age with any of the following:
- Chronic heart disease
- Chronic kidney disease
- Chronic liver disease
- Neurological disease e.g. a stroke
- Chronic lung disease e.g. asthma
- Diabetes
- Taking medication that lowers your immunity e.g. HIV or cancer treatment
Also:
- Informal carers of someone with one of the conditions above
- People over 65 years of age
- Pregnant women
- People living in a residential home
- Health and social care workers
This year the flu vaccine is being offered to children aged two to three. This is via a nasal spray.
These groups have been nationally selected and were not chosen by NHS Stockport Clinical Commissioning Group or your GP. If you are not sure about whether you are in an at risk group contact your GP or the local Flu helpline on .
Many practices are running special ‘flu clinics’ that you can attend and some are during the evening or on a Saturday morning. If you are a carer make sure you are included on the carers register at your GP practice.
If you’re not in one of these groups but want a flu jab, it may be available this winter at some chemists or private clinics at a small cost. A list of pharmacies offering the flu jab in Stockport (at a cost) can be accessed on the following link: Stockport Flu Pharmacies 22.10.2013
Podcasts by Dr David Baxter regarding children at risk of flu and vaccinations for pregnant women are available to view by clicking here.
Listen to our radio interview with Imagine FM on Flu:
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