Flu rates at a record low (From Lancashire Telegraph)
When news happens, text LT and your photos and videos to 80360. Or contact us by email or phone.
Flu rates at a record low
5:10pm Friday 12th October 2012 in News
FLU rates so far this season are low, according to the Health Protection Agency (HPA).
Dr Richard Pebody, head of seasonal flu surveillance at the HPA, said: “The 2011/2012 flu season was one of the lowest on record — following two years of high flu activity, including the 2009 flu pandemic. This demonstrates how unpredictable the flu season can be.
“Every season we remain vigilant and assess the flu situation on a weekly basis as more information becomes available from our various surveillance systems and from the different virus samples we receive from across the UK. For the majority of people, flu is an unpleasant, but not life-threatening illness. But it can be dangerous for certain groups in the population, such as the elderly, those with underlying health conditions and those who have a weakened immune system, as well as pregnant women.
“If you are in an at risk group you may already have been or will be invited to receive your flu jab this season by your GP If you haven’t already, the HPA strongly recommends that all those in an at risk group accept the flu vaccination to remain healthy this coming winter.”
