At-risk groups urged to get seasonal flu jab

People who are vulnerable to flu and in one of the at-risk groups, are being urged to have their flu jab before the virus circulates.

Upon having the flu jab, it can take between five and ten days to take effect.

In 2010, 600 people died from flu with the majority belonging to one of the at-risk groups.

Those in one of these groups are around eleven times more likely to die from flu than those who are not.

For people suffering from chronic degenerative neurological diseases, their risk jumps to 40 times.

Clinical at risk groups include people with a heart problem, chest complaint or breathing difficulties including bronchitis, emphysema, a kidney disease, lowered immunity due to disease or treatment, a liver disease, a history of stroke, diabetes, a neurological condition e.g. multiple sclerosis (MS) or cerebral palsy and a problem with their spleen such as sickle cell disease.

Dame Professor Sally Davies warns that flu can kill and the best way to protect yourself is to be vaccinated.

She said: “People often don’t think about the flu vaccine until the virus is circulating – but by then it could be too late. It takes five to ten days for the vaccine to take effect so it is important to get the flu jab before flu is about. I’d urge everyone eligible for the flu vaccine, particularly those in the clinical at risk groups, to get vaccinated as soon as they are able. Protect yourself early to minimise the risk of getting flu.”

Symptoms of flu typically include fever, chills, headache, cough, sore throat and aching muscles.

The flu vaccine is free to everyone in an at-risk group, those over 65 years of age, all pregnant women and the main carer of an older or disabled person.