Health Matters Stay Well This Winter

DEC 8 - 14, 2016

HEALTH MATTERS

The NHS are here to help you Stay Well This Winter

20 | THE VOICE DECEMBER 8 - 14, 2016

HEALTHMATTERS

Parents urged to vaccinate their children against flu this winter

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The single best way to protect your child is to get them vaccinated Dr Philip Abiola

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ublic Health England (PHE) is encouraging parents and carers to help protect their children from flu this winter.

This year, the vaccine is being offered to 2–4 year-olds, those in school years 1 and 2, and is being extended to school year 3, helping protect more than 4 million children against flu – 600,000 more than last year.

But with a survey of parents of eligible children showing nearly 4 out of 10 (37%) are unaware of the nasal spray, a campaign has been launched to raise awareness of flu vaccination among parents and at risk groups, such as pregnant women. Although 55% of parents understand the need for their children to be vaccinated every year, nearly 1 in 8 (13%) have either never given vaccination

any thought, or report that the main thing putting them off vaccination is that their children seldom get flu (12%).

NEED Nearly a third of parents (29%) think flu is just a severe cold in children when it can be a more unpleasant and serious illness. Children have the same symptoms as adults including fever, chills, aching muscles, headaches and a sore throat. More than one in three parents (35%) think children recover from flu in a couple of days. In fact, sometimes children need up to a week in bed before they are on the mend. Some children develop a very high fever or complications from flu, such bronchitis or pneumonia. Children in the under 5 age group are more at risk of being admitted to

hospital due to flu than any other age group.

VULNERABLE Ensuring that young ones are vaccinated can reduce the spread of this infectious disease amongst the whole family, protecting those who are vulnerable like grandparents. It also helps protect those most at risk in the community, such as people with long-term health conditions. Flu can be particularly dangerous for those with long-term health conditions. These include: chronic respiratory disease, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, bronchitis or emphysema; heart, kidney or liver disease; chronic neurological diseases like multiple sclerosis or cerebral palsy; and diabetes. It is estimated that several million people get flu each winter, with it leading to more than 2,000 NHS

Flu jab for Pregnant Women The free flu vaccine is also available for pregnant women.

Research shows that around four in 10 (42%) of pregnant women got their jab last year. Pregnancy naturally weakens the body’s immune system, and as a result it can cause serious complications for both mother and her unborn baby.

Despite this, a fifth of pregnant women (19%) who didn’t get vaccinated said they didn’t get the free flu jab because they thought, mistakenly, it might harm their baby.

Dede Efueye, Midwife, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation, said: “Let’s be clear on the facts, flu can cause serious complications for pregnant women and their babies. The safest way to help protect them both is the flu vaccine.

I fully support this campaign and would encourage all African and Caribbean pregnant women and parents with children aged 2 – 7 to get the flu vaccine. This will help protect them and reduce the risk of spreading the flu to others.”

Mabinty Esho, had the flu vaccination while pregnant, said: “I was advised to have the free flu vaccination by my midwife and GP whilst I was pregnant. I think it’s better to be safe than sorry and wanted to protect myself and my baby against the flu. I felt perfectly well after having the flu vaccine and would 100% recommend it to other pregnant women.”

Mother Mabinty Esho with baby Isaiah

Visit www.nhs.uk/staywell for more details on how to help you and your family to stay well this winter.

intensive care admissions across the UK last year.

GP, Lord Lister Health Centre Forest Gate, comments: “Flu can be much more dangerous for children than parents realise. Data shows that children under the age of 5 are most likely to be admitted to hospital for flu compared to any other age group.

PREVENT “The single best way to protect your child is to get them vaccinated. The nasal spray is a quick and easy way to help prevent young children catching flu.

“I would urge all African and Caribbean parents with children aged 2-7 to get their children vaccinated. Don’t put it off, it’s free – because your family needs it.”

HEALTHMATTERS

DECEMBER 8 - 14, 2016 THE VOICE | 21

Are you 65 or over?

Cold weather can make you more likely to catch a winter illness that could become very serious, but there are things you can do.

Ask your GP or pharmacist about the free flu jab today.

If you start to feel unwell, even if it’s just a cough or a cold, seek advice from your pharmacist before it gets more serious.

nhs.uk/staywell 79556_28g0211_8B_FluFirstSigns_268wX340h-GLEANER.indd 1

Cheril Sowell, Nurse 30/11/2016 18:44

22 | THE VOICE DECEMBER 8 - 14, 2016

HEALTHMATTERS

Do you or someone you know have a long-term health condition?

F

lu is a highly infectious disease and can lead to serious complications if you have a long-term health condition.

Flu on top of health conditions like these can easily develop into something very serious and you could end up in hospital. People with these and other long-term health conditions are eligible for a free flu jab through their GP or pharmacist.

The free vaccine is also offered to other groups at particular risk of infection and complications, residents of long-stay care homes, carers of older or disabled people as well as the NHS and social care workforce.

Dr Zoe Williams said:

“Vaccination is the best protection we have against flu. I would encourage everyone who is eligible to get vaccinated to help protect themselves and those around them. It is important to get vaccinated every year.

Flu is unpredictable and previous years’ vaccinations may not protect you against the types of flu virus circulating this year.”

Mrs Edith Macauley, has the flu vaccination every year, said:

“I have type 2 diabetes so every year I receive a letter from my GP reminding me about the flu vaccine. I always take up the offer because I live a very busy lifestyle and would hate to be slowed down by sickness. “I’d encourage others like me with either with a long-term health condition or over 65 to make sure they get the flu vaccine.”

If you think you or someone you know or care for is coming down with a winter illness, act quickly. Your pharmacist is fully qualified to advise you on the best course of action.

IS YOUR MEDICINE

CABINET READY FOR THE WINTER? Ask your pharmacist what medicines you should have in your cabinet to help get you and your family through the winter season. Make sure you are stocked up with enough

food supplies for a few days and get any prescription medicines before the Christmas holidays start.

than usual - ask your loved ones and people near you if they need any practical help.

LOOK OUT FOR OTHERS

To find out more about how you can Stay Well This Winter, visit www.nhs.uk/ staywell

The weather might mean people are stuck indoors more

HEALTH CONDITIONS MADE WORSE BY THE COLD WEATHER Exposure to cold temperatures increases blood pressure, makes blood more likely to clot and can also affect the respiratory system. Thereby increasing the risk of heart failure, heart attacks, stroke, kidney disease, dementia, bronchitis and pneumonia.

Pharmacist, Olutayo Arikawe, Priory Community Pharmacy in Dudley said: “Make sure you, and those you know who may be particularly at risk from the cold, are as prepared as possible. If you qualify for the free flu jab, get it now. Also remember that eating a balanced diet and that staying physically active can keep you healthy.

Try to maintain indoor temperatures to at least 18°C (65°F), particularly if you find it hard to get around, have a long-term illness or are 65 or over. Make sure your gas, solid fuel and oil burning appliances are serviced by a registered engineer so that they are working effectively and safely.”

PRACTICAL THINGS YOU CAN DO TO STAY WELL THIS WINTER GET YOUR FLU JAB Flu vaccinations is offered free of charge if you’re aged 65 or over, have a long term health condition or are a carer, so you are protected against catching flu and developing serious complications.

KEEP WARM This may help prevent colds, flu or more serious health conditions such as heart attacks, strokes and pneumonia.

There are a variety of ways you can apply for help to keep your house warm, such as Winter Fuel Payments, Warm Home Discounts and Cold Weather Payments. If you meet the criteria, register for priority service with your energy and water suppliers.

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