The Department of Health remains concerned about the number of vulnerable people on the Island who have not received the seasonal flu vaccine. The UK’s Health Protection Agency reported last week that there have been 10 deaths due to H1N1 flu in the past three months. Most of those who died had underlying health conditions. The report also states that none of the five fatal cases with information available had received the 2010/11 seasonal influenza, or the 2009 pandemic influenza vaccine. The Health Protection Agency has urged people in at-risk groups to get immunised - flu is a vaccine-preventable illness. Dr Kishore, Director of Public Health said: “We do not want to alarm people but the fact is that those over six months of age with chronic medical conditions such as heart, lung or kidney disease, pregnant women and people aged 65 and over are at greater risk of complications and would benefit from the protection that the seasonal flu vaccine could offer.” Pam Kermode, Health Protection Nurse with the Department’s Public Health Directorate also expressed her concerns that some groups of people at greatest risk including children and young adults with diabetes, difficult to control asthma and other chronic illnesses don’t come forward for the seasonal flu vaccine and this will leave them at risk from complications. The flu vaccine is effective and offers a significant degree of protection (70-80%). For most people flu is nothing but an unpleasant experience lasting one to two weeks. But for those aged over 65 and those with chronic medical problems the flu vaccines have been shown to reduce complications such as worsening of their existing conditions, pneumonia and hospital admissions and deaths following flu. Advice to the public: · If you belong to any of the high risk groups of people eligible to receive the flu vaccination, please do not delay it. Please make an appointment with your surgery to receive the flu vaccine. · Even if you had the swine flu jab last year it is strongly recommended that you go to have the seasonal flu vaccine this year to boost your immunity to swine flu and protect you against the other types of flu which are circulating in the community. · The vaccine is effective and it does not have any major side effects – mostly people complain of a sore arm. It does not contain any live viruses and cannot give you flu. · Symptoms of seasonal flu include sudden onset of fever, cough as well as sore throat, aching muscles and joints. · If you have flu it is best to stay at home until well – rest, have plenty of fluids and take pain relievers such as paracetamol. · If you are concerned about your symptoms, please contact your GP by phone for advice. - ENDS -