It’s not too late to protect yourself from flu

Public Health England (PHE) North West has urged those most at risk of flu to get their free vaccination after evidence shows that flu is circulating in the North West.

Dr Will Welfare, Lead Consultant in Health Protection, PHE North West said: “Surveillance has shown that the number of people catching flu in the North West and elsewhere in the country is starting to increase.

“Flu can be serious and even deadly for older adults, very young children, and people with underlying health conditions. The vaccine is the best defence we have against what can be a serious illness. If you’re in an eligible group – make sure you get vaccinated by contacting your GP or pharmacist."

If they haven’t already had the flu nasal spray, children in the clinical risk groups for flu can visit their GP to be vaccinated. Primary school children can take the opportunity to be vaccinated when their school vaccination programme begins, and parents of toddlers aged two and three can contact their GP surgery to get their child vaccinated.

 

 

PHE North West has seen an increase in reports of outbreaks in settings such as schools, hospitals and care homes. Don’t visit vulnerable people if you are unwell with flu.

Symptoms of flu include sudden onset of fever, cough as well as sore throat, aching muscles and joints. The best advice for treating flu in healthy people is to stay at home, rest, drink plenty of fluids and take pain relievers such as paracetamol. Children under 16 should not take any medicines containing aspirin.

Dr Welfare continues: “If you think you have flu, stay home and rest until you feel better. You can find some useful advice on treating the symptoms online at www.nhs.uk/conditions/flu

“Your local pharmacist can help with over the counter remedies to ease the symptoms. Call NHS 111 if you have an underlying health condition or feel really unwell.

“Aside from having your flu vaccine, the best way to prevent the spread of flu is to practice good hand and respiratory hygiene. Catch coughs and sneezes in a tissue, throw the tissue away and wash your hands.”