Flu vaccine warning to 300,000 in the region
Dec 30 2010 by Ruth Lawson, The Journal
THOUSANDS of people in the North East are being urged to protect themselves against flu after a sharp rise in the number of people contracting the virus.
New figures released today show there are more than 300,000 at-risk people under 65 in the region, with cases of influenza rising in most age groups – especially the middle aged.
The stark warning comes as fears of an epidemic grew after the number of seriously ill patients being treated in hospital for flu soared by 250%. Already this winter the illness has claimed the lives of 18 adults and nine children.
The most recent figures recorded on Christmas Eve revealed there were 27 patients with confirmed or suspected flu in critical care beds in the North East.
In addition, Northern Doctor’s Urgent Care – which deals with out-of-hours calls to GPs in the region – saw 40% more calls than this time last year, most of which were due to people suffering from flu-like symptoms.
Bank Holiday Monday was the busiest day when more than 1,445 people in the region called seeking urgent medical care.
NHS North East is hoping the figures will push the most at-risk people – which include pregnant women, anyone aged six months or over with a long-term health problem or weakened immune system and the over 65s – to take advantage of the free vaccine as a matter of urgency.
Dr Tricia Cresswell, deputy medical director at NHS North East, said: “What we are seeing is an increase in the number of people aged under 65 who are seriously ill from flu and need hospital treatment. Many of these people have pre-existing medical conditions and may have been eligible for the free flu vaccine.
“I can’t stress enough the importance of the vaccine and we’re urging people under 65 who are in the at-risk groups – especially pregnant women – to contact their GP and get vaccinated. The serious complications of flu for these people at risk can be prevented by being vaccinated.”
This year’s flu vaccine protects against three seasonal viruses including the H1N1 virus that caused the swine flu pandemic last year and which is still circulating this winter.
A leading doctor in the North East is urging anyone eligible for the free jab to visit their GP as soon as possible as flu can cause them serious complications, often resulting in a stay in hospital and in the worst cases death.
Dr Mike Guy, medical director for NHS North of Tyne, working on behalf of Newcastle and North Tyneside Primary Care Trusts and Northumberland Care Trust, said: “We are urging those in at-risk groups to get vaccinated as there has been a rise in the number of people needing hospital treatment for flu. For most people, seasonal flu is not life-threatening, however, it can be far more dangerous for those in at-risk groups, such as the elderly, pregnant women and patients with heart problems, diabetes or lung, liver or renal diseases, or those who have weak immune systems who are at risk of developing complications.”
Anyone in the at-risk groups who suspects they may already have flu and hasn’t yet been vaccinated is asked to contact their GP surgery as they may need treatment with antiviral drugs.
People who are normally fit and healthy and are showing symptoms of flu should follow the usual self-care advice to stay at home, drink plenty of water and paracetamol-based cold remedies. If symptoms worsen after two days contact a GP.
If you are not sure whether you are eligible for a flu vaccination log on to www.nhs.uk to check.
