KIRKLEES residents at risk of seasonal flu have been reminded – remember to get your free annual flu jab.
Around 15 million people have the flu jab each year at their local GP surgery.
Seasonal flu, also known as influenza, is a highly infectious illness caused by a virus. The types of virus in circulation changes every year, so the vaccine is altered to match them.
That’s why the NHS is advising people to get the jab annually to make sure they are protected.
Everyone aged 65 and over is routinely offered the flu jab. It is also offered to younger people who are considered at risk.
These people include those with heart problems, a chest complaint or breathing difficulties, kidney disease, lowered immunity due to disease or treatment, liver disease, a stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA), diabetes, a neurological condition, problems with the spleen, or those who are pregnant.
People who live in residential or nursing homes are also advised to have the jab as well as those who are the main carer for an older or disabled person.
NHS Kirklees director of public health and local GP Dr Judith Hooper said: “People should not underestimate seasonal flu. Those in the clinical at risk groups are 11 times more likely to die if they get flu than a ‘healthy’ person.”
Between 3,000 and 4,000 people under the age of 65 die from seasonal flu in England each year.