COMMENT

HELEN STOKES-LAMPARD Chair of the Royal College of GPs

INFLUENZA is a dreadful disease that, in the worst cases, can kill.

It is highly contagious and its after-effects can take weeks, if not months, to recover from.

As a GP, I cannot emphasise strongly enough how important it is to have the flu jab, particularly if you are in one of the “at risk” groups.

I have my flu vaccine at the earliest possible opportunity every year, not only for my own health, but to protect the patients I see at my surgery.

Please don’t be put off by “scare” stories about the vaccine – this year it’s been about supplies not keeping up with demand. Today’s figures show, sadly, that the opposite is true.

While this year’s deliveries of the vaccine to GP surgeries were staggered over several weeks, there is no national shortage of supplies.

As flu strains differ from year to year, we found last year’s vaccine was not as effective with older people. But as a family doctor, I can reassure you that this year’s has been developed to get through to the virus more quickly and directly than ever before.

There are other practical steps. Viruses from coughs and sneezes can live on your hands and hard surfaces for up to 24 hours so when you use a tissue, bin it and wash your hands thoroughly.

Children tend not to be so good at hand washing, so perhaps try “fun” ways of encouraging them.

By having the vaccine and taking simple steps, you are doing your bit to protect yourself, your family and your colleagues from the misery of influenza.

You could also save lives.