Press release
Local people urged to stay on top of swine flu
Bury’s Health Chief is urging those most at risk of swine flu to get protected.
The swine flu vaccination programme is now underway in Bury, with the first doses being offered to people at the greatest risk of becoming seriously ill*. Once GPs complete the vaccination of priority groups, they have been given the go ahead to offer the vaccination to all children over six months and under five years of age.
Although cases have been falling across the region, NHS Bury is encouraging people to stay on top of swine flu and to remember the key health messages that will continue to help them to fight the virus.
There are simple measures that everyone can take to protect themselves and others; If you are invited to be vaccinated, get protected: Follow the CATCH IT, BIN IT, KILL IT message; When you cough and sneeze use clean tissues to cover your mouth and nose, bin the tissues after use and wash your hands.
Dr. Peter Elton, NHS Bury’s Director of Public Health said; “In many patients swine flu has been a mild condition, but in some the complications can be severe. People with underlying health conditions such as diabetes and heart disease, and pregnant women are more vulnerable to catching the virus and at risk of experiencing complications, so it’s really important to get protected.”
Frontline health and social care workers have also been offered the vaccine.
Dr. Elton added; “Our front line staff are both at an increased risk of catching swine flu and of spreading it to other at risk patients, therefore offering them the vaccination is vital.”
Anyone concerned they may have swine flu should stay at home and contact the National Pandemic Flu Service (0800 1 513 100 https://www.pandemicflu.direct.gov.uk/ ). Anyone who is pregnant, has an underlying health condition or is caring for a child under one that is sick, should telephone their GP if they think they might have swine flu.
ENDS
Date: 23rd November 2009
For press & media enquiries: contact Caroline Dearden, Corporate Communications Manager on 0161 762 3106 or email communications@bury.nhs.uk
Notes to editor:
*The national priority groups include (in priority order): People aged between six months and 65 years who are in the seasonal flu vaccine ‘at-risk groups’; pregnant women; people who live with those whose immune systems are compromised, such as cancer patients or people with HIV/AIDS and people aged 65 and over in the seasonal flu vaccine at-risk groups.
If you or a member of your family has a fever or high temperature (over 38°C/100.4°F) and two or more of the following symptoms, you may have swine flu:
- unusual tiredness,
- headache,
- runny nose,
- sore throat,
- shortness of breath or cough,
- loss of appetite,
- aching muscles,
- diarrhoea or vomiting.
NHS Choices http://www.nhs.uk/Pages/HomePage.aspx