Monday 1st October 2012 – 6.10pm – Murray MacGregor.
We’re encouraging our staff to be ‘flu fighters’; why don’t you join us?
As the autumn sets in and winter approaches, it’s time for those at greatest risk from flu to protect themselves and their families and get a flu jab.
Flu is a highly contagious infection that anyone can catch, and it can be a really serious illness for some. Flu symptoms hit you suddenly and sometimes severely. They usually include fever, chills, headaches and aching muscles, and you can often get a cough and sore throat at the same time. Flu is caused by viruses and not bacteria, so antibiotics won’t treat it.
West Midlands Ambulance Service Director of Nursing and Quality, Sandy Brown, said: “People often say they have flu when in reality all they have is a bad cold. If you get flu, you will certainly know about it. In the most serious cases, seasonal flu might land you in hospital - it can even be a killer.
“Most people will be protected against flu by having the vaccination. Although it doesn’t give 100% protection, if you have the vaccination and still go on to get flu you are much less likely to have serious complications.
“The flu jab is completely safe; the jab doesn’t contain the ‘live’ virus which is why it cannot give you the flu. Some people get mild side effects such as a slight temperature and aching muscles for a couple of days afterwards; your arm may also feel a bit sore where you were injected. Any other reactions are very rare.
“If you are in a high risk group such as being over 65; you’re pregnant; have lowered immunity; or a long term health condition such as severe asthma, a chest or heart complaint or diabetes, then you should get your free flu jab from your GP.
“The vaccine changes every year to fight the latest strains of flu, so even if you had a jab last winter you need another one this year to stay flu safe.
“This year we are making a big effort to increase the number of our staff that get the jab. We’ve trained some of our staff to vaccinate their colleagues, but they can also get it from local participating stores.
“The best time to be vaccinated is at the start of the flu season from October to early November, so it’s good to get in early and get flu safe in time for the winter.
“If you do get the flu, the vast majority of people will get well by looking after themselves at home. You should:
· Rest and keep warm
· Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration
· Try to take paracetamol or anti-inflammatory medicines such as ibuprofen to lower a high temperature and relieve aches
“It is very rare that you will need to dial 999 or attend an A&E Department. All that you are likely to do is spread the virus and affect other people.
“Help protect yourself, your family and your patients - be a flu fighter, get your flu jab.”
Notes to Editors
For more information, speak to your GP, pharmacist or visit www.nhs.uk/flu
You can also follow @NHSFlufighter on Twitter for all the latest flu updates or join the conversation #flufighter
Pictures shows Paramedic Officer Paul Musticone giving the flu jab to Senior Paramedic Officer John Wright and Information Analyst Karen Hathaway
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