Flu jab appeal after rise in cases
DIFFICULTIES FOR HOSPITAL SERVICES: Hull Royal Infirmary
By Rick Lyon
Health officials in Hull and the East Riding are urging people to protect themselves and their loved ones against flu this winter.
Eligible groups, such as the over 50s, pregnant women and those with serious health conditions are being encouraged to take up the offer of a free NHS flu vaccine as soon as possible.
There has been a significant increase in flu cases across the region in recent weeks, which is expected to spread further between now and the festive period.
Local hospitals are also seeing a high number of patients, of varying ages, being admitted with flu.
“Flu isn’t just a bad cold,” said Dr James Crick, Associate Medical Director at Hull Health and Care Partnership.
“While most people get better on their own with rest, keeping warm and drinking plenty of fluids, they’re still likely to experience a few days of unpleasant symptoms, such as a high temperature, head and body aches, difficulty sleeping and exhaustion.
“This is not something people would want to experience, especially over the festive period. GPs do not recommend antibiotics for flu because they will not relieve your symptoms or speed up your recovery.
“There is also the chance of passing flu on to someone who isn’t in good health and this could cause them problems. Many people need to go into hospital due to flu and sadly, some will die.
Flu can also cause difficulties for hospital services, closing wards and causing operations and treatments to be cancelled.”
To reduce the risk of spreading flu, health officials are advising:
Have the flu jab as soon as possible (available free to certain groups via the NHS and for anyone, for a small fee, at their local pharmacy)
Wash your hands often with warm water and soap
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze
Bin used tissues as quickly as possible
Try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people if you have a high temperature or you do not feel well enough to do your normal activities.
A free flu vaccine is given to adults who:
Are 50 and over (including those who will be 50 by March, 31, 2023)
Have certain health conditions
Are pregnant
Are in long-stay residential care
Receive a carer's allowance, or are the main carer for an older or disabled person who may be at risk
Live with someone who is more likely to get a severe infection due to a weakened immune system, such as someone living with HIV, someone who has had a transplant, or is having certain treatments for cancer, lupus or rheumatoid arthritis.
Dr Crick said: “Members of the public have helped reduce the spread of respiratory illness and saved countless lives over the past two years by following precautions – and we thank them for that. This winter, we all need to keep this up.”