Blackburn with Darwen’s public health director has urged borough residents to take steps to avoid or mitigate the effects of the ‘super flu’ sweeping the country.
Professor Abdul Razaq spoke out as the number of patients in hospital with flu at East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust rose by a third to 13, up from 10 the previous week.
At Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, the figure more than doubled in a week, rising to 21 in the week ending December 7 from 10 seven days earlier.
Prof Razaq said: “We all know someone who’s already been poorly this flu season with the ‘super flu’ that’s making national headlines, and we can all help our local hospital by taking steps to prevent illness and hospitalisation.
“Flu is so much more than a bad cold. It is a highly infectious virus and can be a serious, even life-threatening illness for some people.
“Our first line of defence, that we can all do to protect ourselves and our families, is to have our flu jabs – free on the NHS to eligible groups like people with long-term health conditions and people who work in adult social care.
“Another key line of defence is to ensure that parents take up the offer for the children's flu vaccine to children aged two to three years, school-aged children up to Year 11, and children with certain long-term health conditions.
“National guidance has been published on the use of antiviral medication for the treatment and prophylaxis of seasonal influenza. Masks are advised in health and care settings.
“Getting vaccinated as soon as possible means we will be protected over the festive season, when we’re more likely to be mixing with extended family and friends – some of whom may be vulnerable.
“Having our flu jabs also helps to protect others, by lowering the risk of spreading the infection to others.
“We must also remember to 'Catch It, Bin It, Kill It' when coughing or sneezing, and maintain good hand hygiene by washing hands regularly to help reduce the spread of viruses to protect others.
“Eligible people can have their free flu jabs on the NHS this Saturday, December 13, on board the ‘vaccination van’ outside Blackburn bus station.
“No appointments are necessary – just turn up anytime between 10am and 4pm.
“You can get the free NHS flu vaccine if you are aged 65 or over, have certain long-term health conditions, are pregnant, live in a care home, are the main carer for an older or disabled person, or receive a carer's allowance or live with someone with a weakened immune system.”
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