HPA issues advice as Flu Rates Increase across the region

18 December 2008

With flu rates increasing across the region the Health Protection Agency (HPA) North West is advising people on what they can do to protect themselves and others from infection on the run up to Christmas.

Dr. Catherine Quigley, Regional Epidemiologist with HPA North West: "We're seeing increases in flu in most parts of the region, but particularly in Liverpool, Wirral and parts of Cheshire.

"This is a highly infectious viral illness for which there is no treatment, other than rest and the replacement of fluids. Most people who are otherwise fit and healthy will recover quite naturally from a bout of flu.

"However, flu can be serious for older people and for those whose immune systems are suppressed by illness or treatment. I can't stress enough how important it is for these vulnerable patients to protect themselves by having a flu jab. If they haven't been vaccinated already, it's not too late."

Dr. Quigley stressed that healthcare workers should be vaccinated against flu.

"The advice to people suffering from flu, heavy colds or other viral infections is to rest at home and take lots of drinks. Flu is spread by droplets in the air and on surfaces, so care should be taken to cover the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing and hands must be washed thoroughly after contact with mucus, after going to the toilet and before eating," Dr. Quigley said.

"There is no benefit in people with flu, flu-like symptoms or heavy colds visiting their GP surgeries or hospital Accident and Emergency Units where they might pass on infection to other more vulnerable patients. If in doubt they should arrange a telephone consultation with the family doctor or phone NHS Direct, the 24-hour health information service."

The NHS Direct number is 0845-4647.

Flu is caused by a virus spreading from person-to-person. Antibiotics do not work on viral illnesses such as flu and the common cold and should not be taken or requested for these conditions.

NOTE TO EDITOR

Influenza or 'flu' is a respiratory illness associated with infection by influenza virus. Symptoms frequently include headache, fever, cough, sore throat, aching muscles and joints. There is a wide spectrum of severity of illness ranging from minor symptoms through to pneumonia and death. Influenza occurs most often in the winter months, and normally peaks between December and March in the Northern hemisphere.

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 ministrokes.
Have weakened immunity to infection due to disease or treatment, e.g. HIV, cancer treatment, or treatment with steroids.
Are aged 65 or over.

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

Press release issued by Hugh Lamont, Communications Manager, HPA North West. Tel. 07764-906508 or 0151-482-5728.

Last reviewed: 19 December 2008