UK - Top footballer Paul Scholes of Manchester United FC is backing the Department of Health's flu immunisation campaign,
which launched today.
The high-profile campaign uses TV, radio and press advertising, as well as information in GP surgeries, hospitals and
pharmacies, to encourage those at particular risk from flu to claim their free jab.
This year the campaign particularly encourages people with chronic conditions like asthma and diabetes, as well as all those
65 and over, to protect themselves against flu by having their free jab.
Paul Scholes, who has asthma, said:
"Staying fit and healthy is vital for me and for my career. I can't afford to be missing games and a bad bout of flu could
put me out of action for at least a couple of weeks. As an asthmatic, I have to be particularly careful because the
likelihood of flu developing into a more serious illness is much higher than with many others. I'll be getting my jab this
year and I'd urge anyone with asthma who is worried about coming down with the flu to have the jab too."
Chief Medical Officer Sir Liam Donaldson said:
"The flu is not a severe cold: it can be a serious illness, and three to four thousand deaths are linked to flu every year.
"If you suffer from a chronic illness like asthma or diabetes, or are 65 years or older, you are particularly at risk from
flu. This means that if you do catch flu, it is more likely to lead on to a more serious illness. The flu jab is the most
effective protection from the flu. That's why our message for this year's campaign is 'If you knew about flu, you'd get the
jab.'"
"If you suffer from one of these chronic conditions or you are 65 or over, you should contact your local general
practitioner for this year's free flu jab."
Donna Covey, Chief Executive of Asthma UK, said:
"Approximately 4.3 million people in England have asthma and for many of them, especially those with severe or difficult
asthma, having flu could be a major concern. We would recommend that anyone who has asthma should discuss with their GP the
possibility of having a flu jab and the benefits to their health."
Simon O'Neill, Director of Research and Care at Diabetes UK, said:
"Flu can really upset the control of your diabetes, causing your blood glucose levels to fluctuate. People with diabetes are
a high risk group when it comes to flu and by not getting the jab they are leaving themselves open to the threat of health
problems. There is also an increased risk from complications such as pneumonia and bronchitis."
Last year, over 70% of people aged 65 or over had their flu jab. This year, the Department of Health will be measuring uptake
of the flu jab by anyone who is at risk from flu, not only those aged 65 and over.
To find out more talk to your GP or pharmacist or call NHS Direct on the number below, or visit the website address provided.
Also today, the Department of Health launched a campaign today to help older people "Keep Warm Keep Well" over the winter.
The campaign aims to reduce the number of cold-related illnesses and deaths this winter. Older people, their carers, health
and social care professionals and other vulnerable people can call a special Winter Warmth Advice Line (Freephone 0800 085
7000) for practical help on keeping warm and staying healthy. There is also a free Winter Guide available from the advice
line with a range of practical tips.
Notes to editor
1. At Risk
You are at risk from flu and entitled to a free flu jab if, you:
-- Are aged 65 or over
-- Have a serious illness, including: chronic heart conditions, chronic respiratory conditions (including asthma), chronic
kidney disease, or diabetes; or lowered immunity due to HIV, steroid medication or cancer treatment
-- Live in a long-stay residential home
2. The strains of influenza to be included in the vaccine each year are recommended by the World Health Organisation
following careful mapping of flu viruses as they travel the world. Flu vaccines currently contain versions of three flu
viruses: Influenza A (H1N1), Influenza A (H3N2) and Influenza B. In recent years the strains in the vaccine have been a good
match with circulating strains and have offered good protection. This year's recommended vaccine strains are:
an A/New Caledonia/20/99(H1N1)-like virus
an A/Fujian/411/2002(H3N2)-like virus
a B/Shanghai/361/2002-like virus
The H1N1 component is unchanged from last year and considered to provide good protection against currently prevalent A H1N1
subtypes.
3. This year the pneumo jab (against pneumococcal infection) is also being offered to everyone aged 75 - 80, and anyone
over 80 who has not had their pneumo vaccine. The vaccine protects against serious pneumococcal infection such as pneumonia,
meningitis and blood poisoning, which can be particularly serious for older people. This vaccine can be given at any time of
the year. It can be given at the same time as flu vaccine.
4. The differences between a cold and the flu
Flu is not the same as a cold. The flu gives you fevers, chills, extreme fatigue and aching muscles, as well as the more
cold-like symptoms of sore throats and runny noses, and tends to last for up to two weeks. Flu is an unpleasant experience
for anybody, but if you are at risk, it is more likely to lead on to more serious illnesses, including bronchitis or
pneumonia, and could result in hospitalisation or even death.
You know you've got the flu if…
-- There's a ?20 note landed on your windowsill, but it would be just too exhausting to get out of bed and fetch it
-- Your head is telling you that you spent the night out on the town, when you know the furthest you travelled was to the
bathroom and back
-- Your body aches as if you spent the previous day as Amir Khan's practice punch bag
-- You have to put on your jumper, coat, hat and scarf just to get into bed, never mind getting out of it again
-- You're all wrapped up with the central heating up high, but you can't stop shivering
5. Flu Facts and Figures
-- In most years it is estimated at least 3,000-4,000 deaths are attributable to the complications of flu and around 10-15%
of the population develop flu each year
-- The worst global epidemic (pandemic) ever was the 'Spanish Flu', which affected large parts of the world population and is
thought to have killed at least 40 million people in 1918-1919
-- Flu is highly infectious: 100,000 flu particles can be projected into the air with just one sneeze
-- In just 12 hours, the flu virus can invade 1 million of your nose and throat cells.
-- It only takes a minute to get the flu jab, but this will protect you for 12 months
-- A sneeze, which can carry the virus, travels at 80 miles per hour and can reach distances of up to 30 feet away
-- The flu jab contains no live virus, so it cannot give you the flu
-- The World Health Organisation maps flu viruses and the vaccine is altered each year to ensure that it gives the best
protection against the latest strains.
--For interviews, case studies, images of the flu advertising campaign, and celebrity quotes (from Terry Wogan, David
Bellamy, Nina Wadia and Prunella Scales) contact George Amess at The Forster Company.
-- If you think you might be at risk from flu, contact your local GP surgery to find out about vaccinations in your area,
ring NHS Direct, or go to the website below.
-- For media enquiries relating to breaking news please call the Department of Health on the number provided.
Contact
UK Department of Health
Public Enquiries
020 7210 4850
NHS Direct
0845 4647