West Lothian Council delivers

Winter flu immunisation programme 2008

 

Along with shorter days, darker nights and cold weather, winter brings the flu virus.   Flu is not just a bad cold. It can strike at any time and leave you in bed for at least a week and if you have a long term medical condition, flu is more serious than you think.

The annual winter flu campaign has started to raise awareness of the winter flu.  The immunisation programme provides a free flu vaccination for people with long-term medical conditions and over 65s, to ensure that they are protected against the virus.

Flu is highly infectious and spreads rapidly by coughing, sneezing or touching someone who is already carrying the virus.   The flu is very different to having a cold, symptoms come on quicker, are much more severe and include a high fever, shivering and headaches.

Most people recover from flu within a week or two but for people with long term medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes, heart, kidney or liver disease, or lowered immunity caused by other illnesses and for those over 65, it can be serious and lead to other conditions such as bronchitis and pneumonia.

The flu virus changes every year and a new vaccine is created annually. It is therefore important to make an appointment to get the vaccination each year.

If you or someone you know is at risk from flu this winter, contact your GP or Pharmacist for more information.

'Don't let the flu turn on you. Get the jab,' is the message.

If you think you are eligible for the free flu vaccination contact your GP surgery or local pharmacist for more information.

Alternatively you can contact the NHS Helpline on 0800 22 44 88 for advice - it's free and could save you weeks of misery.