Health warning over 'flu

WARRINGTON health chiefs have warned of the severe risks associated with flu and urged older people and those in at-risk groups to see their GPs to arrange for a flu jab.
For those especially at risk, immunisation is free through their GP – including a new type of nasal spray for two and three-year-old children.
Warrington’s director of public health, Dr Rita Robertson, said: “For most people, flu means a very unpleasant week, disrupting their work and social life and making it much harder to deal with daily life.
“That’s bad enough, but older people, the very young, pregnant women and those with underlying diseases are at particular risk of severe illness if they catch flu.
“There can be serious complications like pneumonia and bronchitis which need hospital treatment and in the most severe cases people can die.”
Dr Robertson added: “The flu vaccine is being offered free to everyone aged 65 or over, and to everyone with long-term medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease and lung disease.
“Pregnant women, residents of nursing and residential homes and anyone who is the main carer of an older or disabled person can also get a free flu jab, and children aged two and three years can have the new nasal spray free.”