Protect yourself with flu jab urges NHS

LOCAL health chiefs are encouraging people in the area to protect themselves from flu this winter by getting the flu jab as soon as possible.

The injection is free for those who are at increased risk from the effects of flu, people who are aged 65 or over, children aged 2-3, pregnant women, carers and those with long-term health conditions.

The West Leicestershire Clinical Commissioning Group has warned that cold weather can be particularly harmful for older people as it weakens the immune system, increases blood pressure, thickens the blood and lowers body temperature which can consequently increase the risk of heart attacks, strokes and chest infections.

Not all flu prevention is carried out with an injection, for younger children the vaccine is a simple nasal spray which can prevent the flu from easily spreading around the whole family and it is just as important for pregnant women too as pregnancy naturally lowers the immune system so the flu jab is the safest way to help protect you and your baby this winter.

Dr Y. B. Shah, GP Clinical Lead for West Leicestershire CCG, says: “Flu, on top of an existing longterm health condition can easily develop into something very serious and could land you in hospital.

“If you have a condition like COPD, bronchitis, emphysema, diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, liver disease or have suffered a stroke, you should get the flu jab without delay.”

Some of the main symptoms of flu include sudden fever, aching body, feeling tired or exhausted, dry, chesty cough, sore throat, headache, difficulty sleeping, loss of appetite, diarrhoea or tummy pain and nausea as well as being sick.

If you think you have the flu the best self care is to stay at home, drink plenty of water, keep warm and take paracetamol or ibuprofen for high temperatures and any aches or pains.

To reduce the risk of spreading flu, use tissues to trap germs when you cough or sneeze, wash your hands often with warm water and soap and dispose of used tissues as quickly as possible.

For more advice you can call NHS 111 for free at any time, day or night or visit the website at www.nhs. uk/conditions/flu for any more information.