23 December 2010
Experts call for 'at risk' people and pregnant women to have free flu jab
Doctors at Epsom and St Helier hospitals are repeating their call for local people to be vaccinated against flu this winter, as a small number of people have been admitted to our hospitals with flu-related conditions.
For most people, getting the flu is unpleasant but not serious and they recover within about a week. However, for some people, getting the flu can lead to more serious illnesses such as pneumonia and can require hospital treatment.
In addition, it is estimated that there are 8,000 flu-related deaths in the winter months in England and Wales – some of which could be avoided by vaccination.
It is for this reason that leading clinicians at Epsom, Sutton and St Helier hospitals are encouraging local pregnant women and those in ‘high risk’ groups to make sure they have their free seasonal flu jab.
‘High risk’ groups include people who:
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are aged 65 or over;
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have an underlying medical condition, such as asthma, chronic heart disease or diabetes;
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have a weakened immune system caused by disease (such as HIV/AIDS) or medical treatment, for instance people who are undergoing treatment for cancer;
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live in a residential or nursing home;
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are the main carer for an older or disabled person.
Seasonal flu, also known as influenza, is a highly infectious illness caused by a virus. The types of virus in circulation change every year as does the vaccine, so, it is important that those at risk ensure they receive the jab annually to protect themselves.
The Trust’s lead infection control doctor and consultant microbiologist, Dr Sharon Chambers, said: "This year, the swine flu virus will be one of the most common types of flu going around, and it is important to remind people to remember to get their annual flu jab. The vaccine will protect against three types of flu, including the type known as ‘swine flu’.
"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.
"If you are in any of the identified at risk groups, my advice, especially at this time of the year is to visit your local GP surgery and get the vaccination as soon as possible. This is the best form of protection for you and others."
If you are pregnant you will also be offered the flu vaccination this year. This is because the H1N1 (swine) virus will still be circulating this winter and younger age groups are more susceptible to this type of flu. Pregnant women who catch flu are at an increased risk of severe disease and flu-related hospital admissions."
Head of Midwifery Sally Sivas added: ""We know that the swine flu virus can pose additional risks to pregnant women, so we are recommending this year, that all pregnant women are vaccinated."
Everyone aged 65 and over is routinely offered the jab, as are younger people with long-term conditions. Around 15 million people in the UK have the jab, which must be administered every year as it is altered to match the flu strains in circulation. If you are in one of the ‘at risk’ groups or you are pregnant, and you are not offered a jab, then you should contact your GP.
The best way to avoid flu is to get immunised, but in addition, people can protect themselves and those around them 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.
