LOCAL health services are warning people who are considered 'at risk' to get their flu jabs now in preparation for the winter months ahead.

Flu is a viral infection that anyone can catch at any time of year but it is most common between December and March. Between 4 per cent and 15 per cent of people over 20 years of age will catch the flu every year.

The difference between flu and the common cold is that flu literally 'knocks you flat' leaving you unable to do anything but go to bed until the worst of the illness is passed.

Consultant in Communicable Disease Control at St Helens and Knowsley Health Authority, Dr Basil Wiratunga, said: "In general, healthy people do not need to be vaccinated against the flu. However, people who may have difficulty combating flu because they suffer from other conditions should get a flu jab."

Those at risk include:

Adults and children with any one of the following conditions: chronic lung disease including asthma, bronchitis and emphysema; chronic heart disease including angina and heart failure; kidney failure and people on dialysis; diseases or absence of the spleen; diabetes; immuno suppression due to disease or treatment.

Elderly people (over 75 years of age).

People living in nursing, residential or long-stay homes where rapid spread of the virus is more likely.

Dr Wiratunga continued: "People must be vaccinated against the flu now - if they wait until an outbreak occurs, it may be too late. Most local doctor's surgeries will be offering flu jabs over the next couple of months so call and make an appointment now if you are at risk."

If you would like further information or advice, you can contact Dr Basil Wiratunga on 01744 457234.

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