Jab call as flu season moves into full swing

OLDHAM is bracing itself for a surge in flu cases as the illness spreads across the North-West.

A sharp rise in the number of flu-like illnesses has been reported to the Health Protection Agency (HPA) across the UK.

The flu season has started early compared with recent years, with some predicting it to be the worst since 2000.

However, Oldham has fared well with latest figures showing only nine cases identified during the week ending December 21, 2008, which is 10.2 cases of flu per 100,000.

This compares with 36 per 100,000 in the North-West, and 54.5 per 100,000 in Manchester.

Both Liverpool (63.7 per 100,000) and Western Cheshire (63.7 per 100,000) have seen significantly high results.

Oldham residents have heeded the flu jab message this year with two thirds (69.9 per cent) of over-65s having had their jab by December 14, almost hitting the national target of 70 per cent.

NHS Oldham, which provides health services in the borough, runs an annual flu jab programme.

This year, five trained local pharmacists have also been offering the flu jab to over-65s and those in at-risk groups.

No extra flu jab sessions have been needed so far.

Shauna Dixon, director of clinical leadership for NHS Oldham, said: “The number of cases of flu has risen nationally this year, however, flu rates for Oldham remain below national and regional averages.

“The flu vaccine is effective against the main type of flu that is around this year, so the best protection is to have a jab.”

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

Dr Catherine Quigley, regional epidemiologist with HPA North-West, said: “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 folk who are otherwise fit and healthy will recover quite naturally from a bout of flu.

“However, flu can be serious for older residents 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.

Dr Quigley stressed people with flu, flu-like symptoms or heavy colds should not visit GP surgeries or hospital casualty wards as they could pass on the infection to other more vulnerable patients.

Instead, they should arrange a telephone consultation with the family doctor or phone NHS Direct on 0845-4647.

To find out more about flu, talk to your local GP, nurse or pharmacist or visit www.nhs.uk/flu