Press Release

Department of Health Flu Campaign 2005

Nobody wants to fall ill with flu over the winter months and, to some people, a bout of flu can result in more serious conditions, hospitalisation and even death. Up to 4,000 deaths a year are attributable to flu, so it is important to protect those who are most at risk. 

 

The good news is that people with serious asthma, heart disease, diabetes or lowered immunity due to long-term health problems are entitled to a free flu jab. The flu jab is free to all people over 65 and those in a long-stay residential care or nursing home, as well as to people who come into contact with those at risk, such as health professionals and the main carers of older or disabled people deemed to be at risk if the carer falls ill.

 

We would very much appreciate your support to help us:

 

• Make parents/grandparents aware that their children/grandchildren or their friends’ or neighbours’ children may be at risk of flu if they have a serious illness
• Urge those at risk to be immunised against flu every year
• Encourage people to think about older people they know and how important it is that they have a free flu jab and keep warm and well during winter

 

We will emphasise that the flu jab:

·         Is free

·         Is easy, quick, and convenient

·         Is your best protection against flu

·         Needs to be done every year

 

You know you’ve got the flu if:

• There’s a £20 note landed on your windowsill, but it would be just too much effort to get out of bed and fetch it
• Your head is telling you that you spent the night out on the town, when you know the furthest you travelled was to the bathroom and back
• Your body aches as if you spent the previous day as Amir Khan’s practice punch bag
• You have to put on your jumper, coat, hat and scarf just to get into bed, never mind getting out of it again
• You’re all wrapped up with the central heating up high, but you can’t stop shivering

 

Flu – your questions answered

 

What is flu?  Flu is an illness caused by influenza viruses. People often describe colds as flu, but the symptoms of flu come on very suddenly and are different from and much more severe than the symptoms of colds. 

 

What is the flu vaccine?  The flu vaccine protects against those types of flu virus that your child is most likely to come across each winter.

 

How is flu spread?  Flu is highly infectious. It spreads very quickly by coughs, sneezes and touching people who are already carrying the virus. Touching objects such as toys that have been coughed or sneezed on can also pass it on to other people.

 

Can the flu vaccine cause flu?  As the vaccine viruses are inactivated (killed), they cannot cause flu.

 

Why is my child being offered a flu vaccine?  If your child is already suffering from another illness then catching flu can be serious. Your child may not be able to fight off flu as effectively as other children. It could also make their existing condition worse.

 

When should my child have the flu vaccine?  Children can have the flu vaccine from six months of age. If your child is having the flu vaccine for the first time, they will need two doses about one month apart.

 

Will my child have to have flu vaccine every year?  Yes. The viruses that cause flu change every year, which means the flu vaccine has to change as well.

 

How soon does the vaccine start to work and how long will protection last?  The flu vaccine may take up to 10to 14 days to reach full protection. Protection lasts for about one year.

 

Are there any side effects from the vaccine?  Your child may get a slight temperature and aching muscles for a couple of days following immunisation as their immune system responds to the vaccine. Their arm may be a bit sore for a day or two where the injection was given. Other side effects are rare.

 

Can children who are allergic to eggs have the flu vaccine?  Flu vaccines are prepared in hens’ eggs so they should not be given to anyone with a known anaphylactic hypersensitivity (a severe allergic reaction that needs urgent medical attention) to egg products. Ask your doctor if you are not sure.

 

 

Advice from the Department of Health’s Keep Warm Keep Well campaign

 

To keep well during winter, it’s essential to keep warm.

 

As the weather gets colder, we’re all more likely to catch colds or flu. If your body temperature drops during this time, then the risk of heart attack, stroke or breathing difficulties increases. This is especially true for older people, for people with a serious disease, or for those made vulnerable by physical disability.

 

In most years it is estimated at least 3,000-4,000 deaths are attributable to the complications of flu & around 10-15% of the population develop flu each year.  At least another 20,000, and in cold winters 40,000, people die as a result of cold weather.  This is higher than in many much colder countries.

 

The best way to combat the effects of winter is to take steps to keep warm and healthy. You can do this by dressing appropriately, eating properly, exercising, not smoking and adequately heating your home:

 

·      Keep warm, dress well

Indoors, wear several thin layers of clothes rather than one thick layer. Keep warm in bed by wearing socks, a nightcap or scarf around your head, thermal underwear and a warm nightdress or pyjamas.

 

Outdoors, wear several thin layers under your coat rather than one thick layer. Keep your head covered and wear warm, dry, flat, non-slip shoes or boots.

 

·      Keep warm, eat well

Food is fuel. Eat a mixed diet and take plenty of hot drinks on cold days. Eat at least one hot meal a day and have a hot drink before bed. Keep a thermos flask by your bed in case you wake up cold in the night.

 

·      Keep warm, keep moving

Moving around generates extra body heat, so any kind of exercise or activity will help you keep warm. Don’t stay sitting still for long periods. Spread chores out through the day so you can alternate between rest and activity.

 

·      Keep warm, heat well

Keep your home warm during winter months. If you can, keep a temperature of 21⁰C in all the rooms you use during the day. If this is not possible, keep your living room warm during the day and heat your bedroom and bed before going to sleep. Keep your bedroom window closed at night.

 

Contact your local council for further help and advice. You could qualify for a grant to make your home warmer, or financial help to meet the costs of heating bills.

 

·      Get a flu jab

Flu is caused by a virus and is prevalent during winter. If you are 65 or over or suffer from certain medical conditions, you can get a free jab to protect yourself. In most years it is estimated at least 3,000-4,000 deaths are attributable to the complications of flu, and around 10-15% of the population develop flu each year.

 

The Department of Health’s Keep Warm Keep Well campaign provides advice and information on keeping warm and well during winter. Call the Winter Warmth Advice Line on Freephone 0800 085 7000 for more information and to order an information booklet.

 

Source: Department of Health

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