Press release
Patients urged to help with the fight against flu
Many people, including those at high risk of suffering from flu, are still not protected against flu this winter. Cases of flu are on the rise. Flu does kill and the vaccination does give protection against it.
Flu is usually not serious but some people become critically ill and even die from the infection.
Those with long term health conditions and pregnant women are urged to get protected with the flu jab, as they are at greater risk of developing serious complications from flu. Carers, including those who live with individuals who are at high risk can also get the jab.
As cases of colds and flu rise, patients have been presenting at A&E with flu like symptoms. Patients with flu like symptoms are urged to keep A&E free for emergencies, to stay at home to minimise the risk of spreading the virus to vulnerable patients, whilst seeking medical advice from their GP practice over the telephone.
Dr. Peter Elton, NHS Bury’s Director of Public Health said: “We have seen a steady increase in the numbers of people suffering from flu and flu like symptoms. My advice would be, if you are eligible for the flu jab, get protected now. It’s free and can save your life. Contact your GP practice and make an appointment. This advice is particularly important for pregnant women, who can be hit quite hard by the virus.”
“Many patients have been going to A&E with flu like symptoms and others attending in the hope they can get the flu jab at A&E. I want to appeal to patients to keep A&E free for emergencies. Don’t go to A&E if you have flu like symptoms, stay at home and call your GP practice for advice on what to do next. You should also contact your GP practice to get the jab.”
Dr. Jerry Martin, local GP added: “The number of patients catching cold and flu viruses is on the rise. I want to urge patients to be aware of the signs and symptoms of flu. If you are symptomatic, stay at home whilst seeking medical advice by contacting your GP practice. If your GP feels you require anti viral medicines to help with your symptoms, get a ‘flu friend’ to pick up the prescription for you. This way you can stay at home, manage your symptoms and reduce the risk of passing the virus onto others.”
"There’s a lot that patients can do to care for themselves at home, and combating their symptoms with over the counter remedies from their local pharmacist.”
Advice is also on offer for those who aren’t eligible for the jab, but want to minimise the risks of catching and spreading the flu. These simple measures include regular and thorough hand-washing. Paper tissues should be used to cover the nose and mouth and these should be disposed of in a bin immediately after use. It’s important to wash hands again after disposing of used tissues.
The signs and symptoms of flu include the sudden onset of fever, cough or shortness of breath, headache, sore throat, tiredness, aching muscles, chills, sneezing, runny nose or loss of appetite.
For the majority of normally healthy adults who catch the flu, it will be unpleasant and inconvenient, but they will begin to feel better within four to five days. If symptoms are not getting better, patients should call their GP practice for further medical advice.
ENDS
Date: 31 December 2010
FOR PRESS & MEDIA ENQUIRIES: contact Caroline Dearden, Corporate Communications Manager on 0161 762 3106 or email communications@bury.nhs.uk
Notes to Editor:
For information about the seasonal flu jab please visit http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Flu-jab/Pages/Introduction.aspx or contact your GP Practice.
Who is eligible to get the jab?
The seasonal flu jab is offered free of charge to anyone over the age of six months with the following medical conditions, as they are at higher risk of catching flu:
- Chronic (long-term) respiratory disease, such as severe asthma, COPD or bronchitis
- Chronic heart disease, such as heart failure
- Chronic kidney disease
- Chronic liver disease
- Chronic neurological disease, such as Parkinson's disease or motor neurone disease
- Diabetes
- A weakened immune system due to disease (such as HIV/AIDS) or treatment (such as cancer treatment)
It is also recommended that you have the flu jab if you:
- Are aged 65 or over
- Live in a residential or nursing home
- Are the main carer for an elderly or disabled person whose welfare may be at risk if you fall ill
- Are a healthcare or social care professional directly involved in patient care
- Work with poultry
- Pregnant women