Don’t wait until flu is circulating – protect yourself now
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The NHS in Devon is urging people in Devon who are in ‘at risk’ groups to visit their GP to get a free flu vaccination.
This year pregnant women in the county are to be offered the vaccination for the first time.
People who are in the clinical at risk groups are 11 times more likely to die if they get flu than a “healthy” person – for some groups, like those with chronic degenerative neurological diseases, that risk rises to 40 times.
Clinical at risk groups include those with:
- a heart problem;
- a chest complaint or breathing difficulties including, bronchitis, emphysema;
- a kidney disease;
- lowered immunity due to disease or treatment (such as steroid medication or cancer treatment);
- a liver disease;
- a history of stroke or a transient ischaemic attack (TIA);
diabetes; - a neurological condition e.g. multiple sclerosis (MS) or cerebral palsy; and
- a problem with, or removal of, their spleen e.g. sickle cell disease.
The flu vaccine is free to everyone in these groups because flu can be serious for them if they catch it.
It is also offered free of charge to:
- people aged 65 years and over;
- all pregnant women; and
- the main carer of an older or disabled person.
Dr Virginia Pearson, NHS Devon’s director of public health, said:
“Flu can be very unpredictable but for most people it’s an uncomfortable illness that can come on quite suddenly and severely.
“Symptoms usually include fever, chills, headaches and aching muscles, as well as a cough and sore throat.
“So my message to people in ‘at risk’ groups is don’t wait until flu is circulating – protect yourself now. “Practices are delivering the flu vaccine now so get in touch with your GP practice to make an appointment.”
Dame Professor Sally Davies said:
“People often don’t think about the flu vaccine until the virus is circulating – but by then it could be too late. It takes five to ten days for the vaccine to take effect so it is important to get the flu jab before flu is about. I’d urge everyone eligible for the flu vaccine, particularly those in the clinical at risk groups, to get vaccinated as soon as they are able. Protect yourself early to minimise the risk of getting flu.
“Flu can be a serious illness – particularly for those in an at risk group. It can result in a spell in hospital, and sadly flu kills. The best way to protect yourself is to be vaccinated.”
