Health Wednesday advice from the Hywel Dda Health Board
Health Wednesday advice from the Hywel Dda health Board-
This Healthy Wednesday protect yourself and loved ones against illness as winter approaches.
Colds and flu affect 15 million people each year in the UK but unlike a cold, the symptoms of flu come on very quickly and include a fever and aching joints and muscles.
Flu can be a serious condition for some people, so it’s important to get a flu jab, available free of charge, if you are over 65, pregnant or have an underlying health condition (particularly chronic heart or respiratory disease), or weakened immune system.
Colds and flu affect 15 million people each year in the UK but unlike a cold, the symptoms of flu come on very quickly and include a fever and aching joints and muscles.
Flu can be a serious condition for some people, so it’s important to get a flu jab, available free of charge, if you are over 65, pregnant or have an underlying health condition (particularly chronic heart or respiratory disease), or weakened immune system.
Do not wait until a flu outbreak occurs – contact your GP or practice nurse now to arrange your flu jab.
Chief Medical Officer Dr Ruth Hussey said: “Flu spreads easily, and can cause serious illness which would need to be treated in hospital. If you are eligible for the vaccine, talk to your GP surgery, local health clinic or you can talk to NHS Direct Wales.
“For the first time selected community pharmacies will also be providing the vaccine this year. You can find out more about this on the NHS Direct Wales website. Please check with NHS Direct Wales or your pharmacy before travelling to find out if your local pharmacy can provide you with the vaccine.
“Many people think that flu is just a bad cold, but in fact it is much worse and can lead to other severe health complications. People know that the vaccine is available for the over 65s, but many people living with other health conditions aren’t always aware that they can get vaccinated as well. It is really important that people who are in at-risk groups do get vaccinated."
Last year 68 per cent of people in Wales aged 65 or over and 50% of people in Wales under 65 identified as at risk of catching flu were immunised against seasonal flu.
By choosing to protect yourself against flu you are also choosing to protect those around you, family, friends and work colleagues.
Chief Medical Officer Dr Ruth Hussey said: “Flu spreads easily, and can cause serious illness which would need to be treated in hospital. If you are eligible for the vaccine, talk to your GP surgery, local health clinic or you can talk to NHS Direct Wales.
“For the first time selected community pharmacies will also be providing the vaccine this year. You can find out more about this on the NHS Direct Wales website. Please check with NHS Direct Wales or your pharmacy before travelling to find out if your local pharmacy can provide you with the vaccine.
“Many people think that flu is just a bad cold, but in fact it is much worse and can lead to other severe health complications. People know that the vaccine is available for the over 65s, but many people living with other health conditions aren’t always aware that they can get vaccinated as well. It is really important that people who are in at-risk groups do get vaccinated."
Last year 68 per cent of people in Wales aged 65 or over and 50% of people in Wales under 65 identified as at risk of catching flu were immunised against seasonal flu.
By choosing to protect yourself against flu you are also choosing to protect those around you, family, friends and work colleagues.
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