Flu can be a killer, so the vulnerable should get protected

Last winter, 232 extra people died in Cumbria than would normally be expected.

These people died from a variety of conditions including coronary heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and directly from flu, as a result of complications and the cold weather.

In addition 1,102 people across Cumbria and Lancashire ended up very ill and in hospital in critical care directly due to flu and its complications from the end of November to early February.

The best way that people with existing health problems and those over 65 can protect themselves from flu, is by making sure they get the free flu jab available every autumn and winter.

“Flu is a killer, yet still every year we have people in Cumbria who are already ill or aged over 65 who decide not to take the chance to protect themselves by getting the flu vaccination.” said Dr Nigel Calvert, a public health doctor from NHS Cumbria.

“Last winter was a particularly bad one and we saw cases of flu drastically increase on previous years as immunity in people was quite low and only around three quarters of people aged over 65 got protected by having the flu vaccine.”

Every year the flu vaccine is designed to protect against the most common strains of flu which are circulating in the community. The vaccine is designed to protect those most vulnerable to the effects of flu and the complications it can cause such as chest infections and pneumonia.

For people who are otherwise fit and health, flu is usually a mild illness that can be self-treated at home. People at risk of getting very ill from flu should have the vaccine whilst others who contract flu should stay at home, look after themselves, drink plenty of fluids and avoid visiting vulnerable people or health venues such as GP surgeries or hospitals. If concerned, they should call their GP surgery and ask for a telephone consultation.

The following groups all qualify for a seasonal flu vaccine and should contact their GP surgery to arrange:

- People aged 65 and older

- Pregnant women (where both mother and baby will be protected),

- People living in a residential or nursing home

- People with pre-existing medical conditions such as diabetes, chronic asthma, cancer, heart disease, kidney disease, COPD, bronchitis, liver disease, neurological disease such as Parkinson or motor neurone disease, or a weakened immune system due to disease (such as HIV/AIDS) or treatment (such as for cancer)

- Main carers for an elderly or disabled person whose welfare may be at risk if you fall ill

- And healthcare or social care professionals directly involved in patient care.

“Everyone knows that flu can be serious and last year over 200 more people that we’d normally expect to die in winter sadly succumbed to illness due to flu and the cold weather. Flu can be serious and cause serious health complications in people with existing health conditions. This includes children and adults with existing conditions from asthma to cancer, pregnant women, where both mother and baby can be at risk, and people aged 65 and over. This is why it is vital that we all encourage our loved ones to qualify to be sensible and have the vaccine.” said Dr Calvert.