A FIRST aid charity has given advice to people on how to prevent flu.

Nationally, there has been a sharp rise in flu cases this week, with 18-year-old Bethany Walker, from Applecross in Wester Ross, Scotland, dying after catching the flu virus.

St John Ambulance said flu in all its different strains has the potential to be ‘deadly ‘if not treated properly.

They said the best preventative measure against flu is to be vaccinated against the virus and maintaining good hygiene.

Alan Weir, clinical director at St John Ambulance said: “A vaccine which is available at most pharmacies and is free on the NHS to those more vulnerable to the virus, such as the elderly, pregnant women and those with conditions such as asthma and other long term conditions .”

“Maintaining good hygiene is also of upmost importance, so wash your hands and use alcohol gels regularly throughout the day, especially if you are using public transport and before eating. Remember ‘Catch It, Bin It, Kill It’.

“At St John Ambulance we are encouraging all our employees and volunteers to take up the offer of flu vaccination to help protect them, their families and our patients.”

For more information, visit St John Ambulance website.