It is not too late to have a flu vaccination – and the Isle of Wight Council’s cabinet is leading by example.
The latest UK statistics from Public Health England show that that the number of people hospitalised with flu like symptoms is significantly higher than normal. This follows the worst outbreak of flu in Australia and New Zealand for nearly 2 decades.
For most healthy people, flu is unpleasant, with recovery generally within a week. However, flu is a highly infectious disease and there is particular risk of severe illness to a number of people including the elderly and the very young.
Councillor Clare Mosdell, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Public Health and a recipient of the flu jab said:
“Many people don’t get vaccinated because they never get ill, and don’t think they have the flu. But 77 per cent of people with the virus have no symptoms. It means you can feel ok, have the virus and pass it to others who will fall ill. This puts the elderly and those with long term health conditions particularly at risk.
“Having the jab is no more than feeling a slight scratch, if at all. It not only protects us, but also those we are close to, who might fall ill if we unknowingly passed on the flu.”
There are many other myths surrounding flu and the flu vaccine, such as the vaccine can give you flu, can protect you for life, can be treated with antibiotics or is prevented by vitamin C. All are untrue. The type of flu virus will vary every year and the vaccine is tailored to protect against the most likely strains.
Anita Cameron-Smith, deputy director Public Health for the Isle of Wight Council, added:
“A number of groups are traditionally seen as being at risk, but we are now seeing the flu virus target others, and in particular young, fit and healthy people. I would strongly urge everyone to be vaccinated to either protect themselves, and others who may be more vulnerable and to do so as soon as possible as the vaccine takes between ten to 14 days to take effect.”
Ian Stephens, Joint Head of Occupational Health with the IOW NHS Trust explains how easy it is to obtain the flu jab:
“A number of people will qualify for a free injection, the NHS Choices website has lots of advice, and your GP can also assess you.
“If you are not eligible to receive a free flu jab, it is available privately from Occupational Health, at St Marys Hospital and a number of pharmacies on the Island are also able to offer the vaccination, including many within supermarkets for around £10 to £15.
“Schools are also working with health professionals to ensure children within certain age groups, receive the vaccine as a nasal spray.”
