Local residents are being encouraged to get the flu jab to reduce the risk of getting the flu or spreading it to others and to keep warm this winter.
The Council is advising older people, who are most affected by the cold weather, to wrap up warm – by heating their home to at least 18 degrees C (or 65F) if possible. They are also being informed to seek medical help from a pharmacist or GP if they start to feel unwell, even if it’s just a cough or a cold.
Although many people associate winter with feeling poorly or ‘under the weather’, there are still some common misconceptions about the flu.
Common flu myths include:
| I had the vaccine last year, so I don’t need it again | False. The vaccine is updated every year as the flu virus changes, so it’s important you have it every year to stay protected. |
| The vaccine can give you the flu | False. You cannot get the flu from the vaccine. |
| It’s too late to have the jab | False, it’s never too late. |
| I think I have the flu, I need antibiotics to treat it | False. Antibiotics don’t work against flu, the best way to protect against the flu is to have the vaccine. |
| Flu is no worse than a bad cold | False. Complications from flu can make you seriously ill. |
Those who are eligible for the free flu jab are people aged 65 years or over, pregnant women, children aged two, three and four, and people with health conditions such as severe asthma, chest or heart complaints and diabetes.
People who are not eligible for a free flu jab, are advised to contact their local pharmacy – they charge around £10 for the flu vaccination.
Councillor Wendy Brice-Thompson, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Services and Health, said:
“It’s really important that people, and particularly our older residents, eat well, keep warm and get the flu jab. One in three people are eligible for a free flu jab and there is still time to get yours from your local GP or a pharmacy. Getting the flu jab will reduce your chances of being unwell this Christmas.”
“Winter is a particularly difficult time for those who are elderly and alone. Please look out for vulnerable neighbours this winter. Check to see if they need any help, whether it’s picking up a repeat prescription of visiting them to make sure they’re okay. Every little can help.”
There are some useful tips in the ‘Winter Wrapped Up’ guide, just launched by Age UK, which include:
• Get your heating system serviced every year by a qualified engineer to ensure it's running safely and efficiently.
• Make sure you claim all the financial support you can to help with heating bills.
• Make sure your smoke alarm is working. You can ask your local fire service to check your home for fire safety
• Install an audible carbon monoxide alarm in each room that has a gas appliance.
• Make sure you claim all the financial support you can to help with heating bills.
• Dress in plenty of layers and make sure you have warm shoes or boots with non-slip soles.
• Keep a mixture of salt and sand handy to put on steps or paths in icy weather.
• Consider fitting a grab rail if you have steps at your front or back door.
• Follow up your GP’s invitation to have a flu jab.
• Order repeat prescriptions in plenty of time, particularly if bad weather is forecast.
• Eat healthily and keep as active as possible.
• Ask your family, neighbours or friends if they could call or visit you more often.
• Keep a battery-operated radio, torch and spare batteries handy in case there’s a power cut. Keep your mobile phone, laptop or tablet fully charged so you can use the battery power if there’s no electricity.
• Keep a list of emergency numbers, such as your utility companies, by your phone.
Further information on staying warm this winter is provided by Age UK:
