NHS England is urging people across the Bath and North East Somerset area who are over 65 years old to get their flu vaccine now while there is still time.
January has seen the UK experience some of the lowest temperatures for many years, and as winter continues, so too does the risk of catching a nasty bout of the flu. But it’s not too late to receive the flu vaccine and gain the best possible protection against the flu virus.
Everyone over the age of 65 should have the free flu vaccine; available from your local GP practice or local pharmacy. The risk of serious illness from flu and consequent hospitalisation or even death is higher among those aged 65 years and older.
The best and easiest way for people at risk from flu to protect themselves is to have the flu vaccination.
Dr Ardiana Gjini, Consultant in Public Health Medicine and Lead on Immunisations for NHS England in Bath, Gloucestershire, Swindon and Wiltshire said: “It’s really important that everyone over the age of sixty-five has their flu vaccine.
“We know that thousands of older people haven’t yet done so and I urge everyone eligible to please get their vaccination as soon as possible. Older people are at greater risk of developing more serious illness if they succumb to a bout of the flu, which in turn could lead to pneumonia and other serious complications.
“If you have ever had flu you will know it is not like a common cold – it is much more severe. Avoiding the flu is easy: having an annual flu vaccination from a pharmacy or your GP will provide the best possible chance of preventing the disease, as well as other more serious complications that could potentially be fatal.
“It is likely that the number of flu cases hasn’t yet peaked so it is still not too late to have your flu jab. If you haven’t had it yet, go and get your flu jab today.”
Flu is highly infectious. The symptoms, that come on very quickly, include fever, chills, headaches, aches and pains in the joints and muscles, and extreme tiredness.
For most healthy people, a bad bout of flu is worse than a heavy cold usually requiring someone to spend a few days in bed. However, serious infections, especially in those with underlying health conditions, although less common, can lead to hospitalisation, permanent disability and even death.
It is caused by viruses that are spread from person to person. They infect the respiratory system, where they can lead to pneumonia and other complications. The viruses are constantly changing and this is one of the main reasons why people should be vaccinated annually.
Flu is spread by coughs and sneezes that propel infected droplets of saliva or nasal secretions into the air which are then breathed in by others. The disease is also spread by people touching surfaces that the droplets have landed on and then touching their mouth, nose or eyes.
This is why frequent hand washing or using an antiseptic hand rub is so important during the winter flu season.
The best way to avoid getting the flu is by having the vaccination. Doing so reduces the risk of developing the illness significantly.
If your GP practice has now completed its flu vaccination clinics, you can still get your flu jab for free from most local pharmacies.