Government Launches Winter Flu Campaign, UK

Main Category: Flu / Cold / SARS
Also Included In: Respiratory / Asthma;  Diabetes;  Seniors / Aging
Article Date: 28 Sep 2007 - 3:00 PDT

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"Flu could seriously affect the health of over two million younger people in 'at risk' groups such as those with asthma or diabetes", the Chief Medical Officer said as he urged them to get their flu jab this winter. A new campaign starting on Monday marks the start of flu season and encourages those in 'at risk' groups or over 65 years of age to get the jab.

In 2006, nearly six in ten people (58 per cent) at-risk under the age of 65 did not get a flu jab, leaving over two million particularly vulnerable to the side effects of the virus, which can lead to bronchitis, pneumonia, hospitalisation or even death.

You should also get the flu jab if you are 65 or over or if you have:

- A serious heart or respiratory conditions
- Kidney, or liver disease
- Diabetes
- Lowered immunity due to disease or treatment
- Multiple sclerosis, or conditions of the nervous system, or if you have had a stroke.

Chief Medical Officer Professor Liam Donaldson said:

"It is a common misperception that it's only older people who suffer the most when they get flu. Many children and adults under the age of 65 are putting themselves at just as much risk to the effects of the virus.

"If you suffer from illnesses such as asthma, diabetes or serious heart or kidney disease, or you are 65 years or older, you are particularly at risk from flu. For those most at risk, flu can lead to more serious illnesses, including bronchitis or pneumonia and could result in hospitalisation or, in the most serious cases, death.

"People and children at risk from the effects of flu need to get a flu jab every year. It only takes a minute to get the flu jab, but this will protect you, your child or grandchild for 12 months. This is why you should contact your GP and make an appointment to get a free annual flu jab. The flu jab can literally save lives."

Flu contributes to over 25,000 excess winter deaths every year and thousands of people are hospitalised due to serious complications.

Cathy Moulton, Care Advisor at Diabetes UK, said:

"Having flu can really upset diabetes control and cause blood glucose levels to fluctuate. This can leave people with diabetes open to many health problems including complications of flu such as pneumonia and bronchitis. As they are a high risk group when it comes to getting flu, it is very important that people with diabetes are vaccinated this winter."

Erica Evans, Care Development Manager at Asthma UK, says:

"Younger people with asthma may be putting themselves at risk by missing out on the flu jab, which has been widely used for many years and is safe and effective. Colds and flu trigger the symptoms of 90 per cent of the millions of people with asthma in the UK and while it is almost impossible to avoid catching the common cold, having a jab can help to prevent the flu virus taking hold. We would recommend that anyone with asthma discusses the possibility of having a flu jab with their GP this autumn, before the virus begins to circulate."

Cathy Ross, BHF Cardiac Nurse, says:

"Making sure people at risk are given flu vaccinations, along with appropriate heart-protective medication, is vital to help to reduce the number of heart attack victims."

Dr Isabel Lee, The Stroke Association Research Liaison Officer says:

'Infections from flu may cause fatty build-ups in the blood vessels to become unstable which could lead to clots forming in the blood vessels. These could break off and cause a stroke. It is vital those at high risk have a flu jab this winter as it could protect them from stroke along with other cardiovascular conditions'.

1. Flu Facts:

- In most years, thousands of deaths are attributable to the complications of flu

- Up to 20,000 people die each year in the UK as a result of the cold weather. In particularly cold winters this could be up to 40,000 people

- Flu is highly infectious: 100,000 flu particles can be projected at 100mph into the air with just one sneeze

- The flu virus is very small: 3,500 flu viruses can fit onto a pinhead

- In just 12 hours, the flu virus can invade one million of your nose and throat cells

- It only takes a minute to get the flu jab, but this will protect you for twelve months. It's your best protection against flu

- The flu jab contains no live virus, so it cannot give you the flu

- The World Health Organisation (WHO) maps flu viruses and the vaccine is altered each year to ensure that it gives the best protection against the latest strains

2. You are entitled to a free flu jab if you are; aged 65 and over; resident in a long-stay residential care home, over 6 months of age and suffer from diabetes, chronic respiratory conditions such as asthma, serious heart or kidney disease, are having cancer treatment, have lowered immunity due to HIV or are on steroid medication. If you have a serious allergy to hens' eggs or if you have ever had a serious allergic reaction to the flu vaccine, you shouldn't get the flu jab vaccination.

3. As an extra protection against a possible flu pandemic those working in the poultry industry now routinely receive the seasonal flu jab.

4. There are no reported supply problems with flu vaccines this year.

5. To find out more about getting a flu jab visit http://www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk or http://www.dh.gov.uk.