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HPA London issues advice as the flu season arrives

29 December 2008

With flu rates increasing throughout December, the Health Protection Agency (HPA) London is advising people on what they can do to protect themselves and others from infection over the New Year.

Dr Brian McCloskey, London Regional Director of the Health Protection Agency, said, "Flu has started a bit earlier this year and although rates across England and Wales are within normal seasonal levels, they are the highest we have seen at this time of year for sometime. No one wants their New Year ruined by a bout of flu so our advice is to be alert to the symptoms."

For the majority of people flu is an unpleasant illness which isn't life-threatening and most people who are otherwise fit and healthy will recover quite naturally. Symptoms can include a headache, fever, cough, sore throat and aching muscles and joints. There is no specific treatment for flu so the Agency's advice is to rest at home, drink plenty of fluids and use over-the-counter remedies if they make you feel more comfortable.

"Flu can be dangerous for certain groups of people, however, such as older people, those with heart problems, diabetes or asthma and those whose immune systems are suppressed by illness or treatment," continued Dr McCloskey.

"I can't stress enough how important it is for these vulnerable people to protect themselves by having the free flu jab. The current circulating flu strain is well matched to the strain contained in the flu jab so if you haven't already had your vaccination please do contact your GP."

He added, "There is no benefit in visiting your GP surgery or hospital Accident & Emergency unit if you have flu, flu-like symptoms or a heavy cold as antibiotics do not work on these viruses and doctors won't prescribe them. You also run the risk of passing on the infection to other more vulnerable people such as children, older people or those with immune problems. If in doubt you should speak to your pharmacist, arrange a telephone consultation with your GP or phone NHS Direct on 0845 46 47."

ENDS

How to help prevent the spread of colds and flu:

Coughing and sneezing:

  • Always cover your mouth and nose with a paper tissue when you cough or sneeze. This can help to stop the germs from spreading to other people.
  • Make sure you put the tissue in the bin afterwards and then wash your hands.
  • If you have to use linen handkerchiefs these must be laundered separately on a hot wash (60°C) to destroy the germs.

Hand washing:

  • Make sure that you and your family always wash your hands after coming into contact with respiratory droplets/nasal secretions including; after coughing or sneezing; after touching a surface or tissue that has been sneezed or coughed on; after visiting or nursing a person with a respiratory infection.

Home hygiene:

  • Surfaces, equipment and furniture can easily become contaminated when people cough or sneeze. Make sure you clean and then disinfect these surfaces more often, especially those that are frequently touched such as door handles and telephones. This helps prevent the spread of germs to others.

Notes to editors:

1. Flu is caused by a virus spreading from person-to-person through droplets in the air and on surfaces. Antibiotics do not work on viral illnesses such as flu and the common cold.

2. The best ways to decrease your chances of getting flu is to practice regular hand washing and good respiratory hygiene as detailed above.

3. Flu occurs most often in the winter months and normally peaks between December and March in the Northern hemisphere.

4. People are eligible for a free flu jab on the NHS if they:

  • Are healthcare workers.
  • Are carers of people who are elderly or infirm.
  • Live in a long-stay residential home.
  • Are children or adults of any age with chronic heart, lung, liver or kidney disease, have asthma that requires steroids, diabetes requiring medication, and diseases of the nervous system like strokes or mini-strokes.
  • Have weakened immunity to infection due to disease or treatment, e.g. HIV, cancer treatment, or treatment with steroids.
  • Are aged 65 or over.

5. NHS Direct is a 24-hour a day, 365 days a year health advice and information service. The number is 0845 46 47.

6. Frequently asked questions on influenza:
http://www.hpa.org.uk/webw/HPAweb&HPAwebStandard/HPAweb_C/1195733852084?p=1191942171475


Media enquiries: Tycie West, HPA London, 020 7759 2834 / tycie.west@hpa.org.uk

Last reviewed: 5 January 2009