Care For Yourself And Your Family This Winter

Winter is here and carers who work in the East Riding are being reminded that they can get their flu vaccinations for free, when registered as a carer with their GP Practice.

East Riding of Yorkshire Council’s associate director of public health is urging people who are eligible for the free flu vaccination to take up the offer.

Mike McDermott said:

“The more people who are vaccinated, the lower the likelihood and spread of infection, reducing pressure on the NHS and Social Care during winter months.”

Free flu jabs are available for people aged 65 and over, people aged from six months to less than 65 years of age with a long-term health condition, pregnant women, children aged from two to four years, people in long-stay residential care homes, and carers. All children aged two to eight years are to be offered flu vaccinations within a school-based programme.

A serious medical condition includes:

– chronic (long-term) respiratory disease, such as severe asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or bronchitis
– chronic heart disease, such as heart failure
– chronic kidney disease at stage three, four or five
– chronic liver disease
– chronic neurological disease, such as Parkinson’s disease or motor neurone disease, or learning disability
– diabetes
– splenic dysfunction
– a weakened immune system due to disease (such as HIV/AIDS) or treatment (such as cancer treatment)
– morbidly obese (defined as BMI of 40 and above)

The flu jab is available free from GP surgeries and pharmacies for people in the at-risk groups, and through a school based programme for children aged 4-8 years.

Flu occurs every year, usually in the winter, which is why it’s sometimes called seasonal flu. It’s a highly infectious disease with symptoms that come on very quickly. Colds are much less serious and usually start gradually with a stuffy or runny nose and a sore throat. A bad bout of flu can be much worse than a heavy cold.

The most common symptoms of flu are fever, chills, headache, aches and pains in the joints and muscles, and extreme tiredness. Healthy individuals usually recover within two to seven days.
Mike continued: “Flu is dangerous, highly contagious and largely preventable.

“For most people who catch flu it is unpleasant, but for some it can lead to chest infections, severe complications and even death.”

When an infected person coughs or sneezes, they spread the flu virus in tiny droplets of saliva over a wide area. These droplets can then be breathed in by other people or they can be picked up by touching surfaces where the droplets have landed.

You can prevent the spread of the virus by covering your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze, and you can wash your hands frequently or use hand gels to reduce the risk of picking up the virus.

Mike added:

“The best way to avoid catching and spreading flu is by having the vaccination before the flu season starts.

“Don’t be put off getting the flu vaccination. If you are eligible get it now, it’s free because you need it.

“If you have a long-term health condition, even one that is well managed, have a serious medical condition or are pregnant, you are at greater risk of severe complications if you catch flu.

“The nasal spray vaccination is a quick, painless and effective way for children aged two to eight, and school years 1 to 4 and the Reception class, to be protected from flu without the need for injections.”

Details of flu clinic times are available from individual GP practices. For more information about who should have a flu jab, visit www.nhs.uk.