Tuesday 13^th October 2009

Western Isles residents urged to get the flu jab!

It’s that time of year again when people in the Western Isles who are vulnerable to the effects of flu are being urged by NHS Western Isles to make an appointment with their GP practice to have an annual flu vaccination to protect them against the virus during the winter months.

NHS Western Isles has launched its winter flu vaccination campaign to remind vulnerable groups across Scotland to get the flu jab.

Those most at risk to the effects of flu are people aged 65 and over and people of any age who have a long-term medical condition.

Those who are ‘at risk’ are people of all ages with long-term illnesses, including:

• Serious breathing problems, e.g. severe asthma needing regular inhaled or oral steroids; chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
• Diabetes
• Serious heart conditions
• Severe kidney or liver disease
• Serious neurological conditions, e.g. stroke or multiple sclerosis
• Lowered immunity due to disease or treatment, e.g. chemotherapy or radiotherapy treatment for cancer or long-term steroid use
• Problems with the spleen, either because the spleen has been removed (asplenia) or doesn’t work properly, e.g. sickle cell disease
• Any other serious medical condition (if anyone is unsure about their health or needs further advice, they should speak to their doctor, practice nurse or pharmacist)

These people are more likely to develop serious illness as a result of catching flu and are eligible for a free vaccination.

It is important to stress that seasonal flu is a different strain from Influenza A (H1N1), commonly known as ‘swine flu’. The H1N1 vaccination, which will be offered shortly, will not provide protection against seasonal flu; and the seasonal flu vaccination will not provide protection against H1N1. Therefore, it is recommended that patients get both vaccinations.

Sara Bartram, NHS Western Isles Public Health Practitioner said: “For people who are in generally good health, flu is a nasty illness as it is much more severe than the common cold.  However, for those who are ‘at-risk’ of any age and older people, flu can lead to serious illness.  These people cannot fight flu as effectively so it is vital that they contact their GP now and arrange for a free flu jab.

“I would urge people if they know a family member or a friend who falls into one of these ‘at-risk’ groups to encourage them to get their flu jab now. People should also be aware that the seasonal flu jab doesn’t protect them against H1N1 (Swine Flu) so they are advised to get both jabs.”

Flu is highly infectious and around 10 to 15 per cent of the UK is affected by flu every year. The virus changes each year so it is necessary for people to have a repeat vaccination every year to provide protection against infection.

The vaccine takes around ten days to work and will protect you from flu for around a year. Last year's vaccine won't protect you from this year's flu virus - you will have to get vaccinated annually, because the virus develops different strains. Also it is important to realise that the flu vaccine is not a live vaccine and so it is not possible to catch the flu from the vaccine. However, the vaccine can stop you catching the flu.

GP Practices will be contacting those in the At Risk groups to have their flu vaccination to protect against the flu virus.

If patients are acutely ill with a high temperature, they should contact their GP Practice to reschedule their appointment until their condition improves. (If you have a serious allergy to hens' eggs or if you have ever had a serious allergic reaction to the flu vaccine, you should not get the vaccination.)