People in Kirklees urged to get flu jabs

Dec 22 2010 Huddersfield Daily Examiner

PEOPLE in Kirklees are being urged to get vaccinated against flu.

The highly contagious viral infection can led to serious illness or even death.

Anyone can get flu but some groups are more vulnerable than others.

They are pregnant women, people aged 65 and over and people living in a residential home or caring for an older or disabled person.

People with chronic heart, lung, metabolic disorders, kidney problems or a lowered immune system due to treatment or disease are also vulnerable.

Those in these ‘at risk’ groups are advised to contact their GP or practice nurse now to ensure they are given their seasonal flu vaccination.

This year the jab will protect people against three types of flu, including swine flu which is one of the dominant strains.

Dr Judith Hooper, director of public health for NHS Kirklees and Kirklees Council, said: “The number of cases of flu in Kirklees is not unusual for this time of year, but I strongly recommend people who may be at risk of further complications to visit their GP as soon as possible to get vaccinated against seasonal flu.

“Healthy people who are not in the clinical ‘at risk’ groups and who have flu, should rest as soon as possible, drink plenty of hot drinks and take pain relievers such as paracetamol.

“The effects of flu should not be underestimated. Contracting flu is not the same as getting a cold and it can seriously affect your health.”