With the winter nights drawing in, East Riding of Yorkshire Council’s associate director of public health is urging people who are eligible for the free flu vaccination to take up the offer. Mike McDermott, said: “The more people who are vaccinated, the lower the likelihood and spread of infection, reducing pressure on the NHS and Social Care during winter months.” Free flu jabs are available for people aged 65 and over, people with a long-term health condition, pregnant women, children aged from two to four years, people in long-stay residential care homes, and carers. Children in school years 1, 2 and 3 are also offered flu vaccinations, within a part of a school-based programme, as a nasal spray. The flu jab is available free from GP surgeries and pharmacies for people in the at-risk groups. Flu occurs every year, usually in the winter, which is why it’s sometimes called seasonal flu. It’s a highly infectious disease with symptoms that come on very quickly. Colds are much less serious and usually start gradually with a stuffy or runny nose and a sore throat. A bad bout of flu can be much worse than a heavy cold. The most common symptoms of flu are fever, chills, headache, aches and pains in the joints and muscles, and extreme tiredness. Healthy individuals usually recover within two to seven days. Mike continued: “Flu is dangerous, highly contagious and largely preventable. “For most people who catch flu it is unpleasant, but for some it can lead to chest infections, severe complications and even death.” When an infected person coughs or sneezes, they spread the flu virus in tiny droplets of saliva over a wide area. These droplets can then be breathed in by other people or they can be picked up by touching surfaces where the droplets have landed. You can prevent the spread of the virus by covering your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze, and you can wash your hands frequently or use hand gels to reduce the risk of picking up the virus. Mike added: “The best way to avoid catching and spreading flu is by having the vaccination before the flu season starts. “Don’t be put off getting the flu vaccination. If you are eligible get it now, it’s free because you need it. “If you have a long-term health condition, even one that is well managed, or are pregnant, you are at greater risk of severe complications if you catch flu. The nasal spray vaccination is a quick, painless and effective way for children aged two to four, and school years 1 to 3, to be protected from flu without the need for injections.” Details of flu clinic times are available from individual GP practices. For more information about who should have a flu jab, visit www.nhs.uk or visit the direct page at http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/vaccinations/Pages/flu-influenza-vaccine.aspx