GP urges people to get flu jab

8:00am Monday 24th October 2011

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PEOPLE in Yeovil and South Somerset are being urged to get their flu vaccines now to reduce the risk of them getting this highly infectious disease during the winter.

Seasonal flu vaccinations are currently being offered at GP surgeries across the county.

Somerset GPs want to see patients in “at risk” categories coming forward to take up the offer of a free flu jab as this offers the best possible protection to vulnerable patients and helps reduce the risk of an outbreak of flu this winter.

a bout of flu can be particularly serious for the elderly and those with long-term health conditions, with complications associated with the disease seriously affecting people with lung conditions such as asthma.

Dr Harry Yoxall, a Somerset GP and secretary of the Somerset Local Medical Committee, said: “I am concerned that many people in the “at risk” category still fail to take the offer of a free flu vaccination each year.

“If you are elderly, pregnant or have an existing medical condition then you will be more susceptible to the effects of flu and have an increased risk of developing more serious illnesses such as bronchitis and pneumonia, or making your existing health conditions even worse. In the worst possible scenarios, seasonal flu can result in a stay in hospital or even death.”

Flu is much worse than a bad cold and you may need to stay in bed for a few days if you have flu.

The symptoms will be more serious than a cold and include fever, chills, headaches and aching muscles. You can often get a cough and sore throat at the same time. Flu is caused by viruses so asking your family doctor for antibiotics won’t help treat it.

If you are over 65 or have any of the following conditions – heart problems; chest complaints or breathing difficulties; kidney disease; lowered immunity due to disease or treatment; liver disease; had a stroke; diabetes; a neurological condition; a problem with your spleen – you should see your GP Practice for a seasonal flu vaccination.

Dr Yoxall added: “It is best to have the seasonal flu vaccination in the autumn before any outbreaks of seasonal flu.

“Remember that you need it every year, so don’t assume that you don’t need another vaccination because you had one last year. The flu jab is free so make an appointment with your GP surgery.”

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