Flu advise for patients

Flu advise for patients.

The national vaccination campaign

Who is most at risk?

Flu can be a nasty infection, it is a particular risk to people over the age of 65 and those of any age who may already have other health problems such as heart or chest conditions, (including), diabetes, liver or kidney diseases, people who have had a stroke or and those with a condition, or on treatment that can affect their immune system. Swine flu was seen to affect pregnant women more severely than others last year so the NHS, in 2010, offered all pregnant women the jab.

Those that are not in an at risk group - including the healthy under-fives - are at no greater risk of suffering complications and becoming seriously ill as a result of catching flu and therefore do not need the vaccination. People who are otherwise healthy who catch the flu can manage their symptoms, in most case, at home.

"Flu can be a very nasty illness and there is undoubtedly an increase in the number of people suffering from flu this winter. Most people can manage flu at home by taking a few days bed rest, drinking fluids and treating symptoms with over the counter medicines, such as paracetamol.  But flu can affect older people, those with other health problems and pregnant women most severely."  

"Anyone who thinks they have flu that does not seem to improve after a few days or suddenly feels very ill, or if it makes an existing condition worse should contact their GP or can phone NHS Direct on 0845 4647."

How do people at risk obtain the vaccine?

Everyone who falls into one of the at risk groups is invited to have the vaccine. Every Autumn and well in advance of the traditional flu season, GP practices write to all patients on their practice lists who fall into the at risk groups. Practices then arrange special vaccination clinics or appointments to give the vaccine to at risk patients.

If someone falls into one of the at risk groups and has not yet had the vaccine, it is not too late. NHS Western Cheshire is urging anyone in an at risk group who has not yet had the flu jab to make an appointment at their GP practice.

A small number of local GP practices were experiencing temporary shortages due to the increased demand for the vaccine. This issue has already being addressed by NHS Western Cheshire which has been working closely with local GP practices last week as well as this week, to identify where local stock is still available and make sure it is available wherever needed.  This means that from today Wednesday 5th January all practices in Western Cheshire now have access to flu vaccine if required.

Sarah Johnson Griffiths, a Public Health Consultant for NHS Western Cheshire, emphasised that the national vaccine campaign targeted certain at risk groups as these people were especially susceptible to swine flu and its complications.

"The only way for people in the at risk groups to protect themselves, their friends and their family is to have the flu jab. The more people in the at risk groups who have the jab, the fewer people will suffer. By contacting your GP now for an appointment, you will protect yourself for the rest of the winter. Rest assured, any temporary supply problems are being addressed. People should not hang back. Please come forward so we can give you the protection you need."

Sarah also added that individuals who fall outside the at risk groups but wanted to obtain it for their family, could purchase it privately from some high-street or major supermarket pharmacies and make arrangements with a GP practice to have it administered.