IT’S that time of year again, when we start to encourage people to be prepared for illnesses over the winter period, such as flu.
A ‘Help Us Help You’ campaign was launched earlier this week, to raise awareness of how people can look after their health over winter, including encouraging people in ‘at risk’ groups to have the flu jab.
It’s an extremely important message, especially for those at risk of developing further complications as a result of having flu, who include:
* People aged over 65
* People with underlying health conditions, such as a heart complaint, lung disease such as asthma, liver disease or have suffered a stroke
* Pregnant women
* Young children (aged two to nine)
If you’re fit and healthy there’s normally no need to see your GP, the best way to treat flu is by staying at home, keeping warm and drinking plenty of fluids.
You can also take paracetamol or ibuprofen to lower a high temperature and relieve aches and pains.
Flu symptoms can hit quite quickly and often include a fever, chills, headaches and sore muscles, sometimes accompanied by a cough and sore throat.
It’s important to remember that you still need to have the jab even if you’ve had it in previous years as strains of flu vary from year to year, so this is the best way to make sure that you’re protected.
The needle-free nasal vaccination is also available as an alternative way for parents to have ‘at risk’ children vaccinated in a quick, easy and pain-free way.
If you think you need the flu vaccination, check with your GP Surgery or local pharmacist.
For more information visit www.nhs.uk/fluvaccine and to stay up-to-date with the CCG, follow @RB_CCG on Twitter.
Dr Richard Davies
