FLU SEASON HAS STARTED

Posted 21/12/2012

The Health Protection Agency (HPA) has warned that this winter’s flu season is under way after increases in the number of school children with the infections.  It said that there had been a rise in GP visits, outbreaks at schools and calls to NHS Direct about children aged 5 to 14. Symptoms include a sudden fever, cough, sore throat as well as aching muscles and joints.Dr Richard Peabody head of seasonal flu surveillance at the HPA said.  “We are seeing an increase in flu activity mainly among school children indicating the start of this year’s flu season.Flu vaccination is still the most effective way of preventing flu and it is not too late to get it so we would encourage all those who are in “at risk” groups to get vaccinated as they are more vulnerable to developing complications from flu. “These include people with underlying conditions such as heart problems, diabetes, lung, liver or renal disease and those with weakened immune systems as well as older people and pregnant women.”Julie Crossley, a clinical negligence lawyer at Ashtons Legal, comments: “It is positive to know that flu jabs are still available for those most vulnerable, let’s hope that with the continual cuts in the NHS that this carries on being the case”.