Health chiefs are urging the public and employers to take control of their healthcare by having the flu vaccine this winter.

The flu virus usually peaks around this time of year with typical length of sickness lasting 7 – 14 days. Flu can be incredibly unpleasant for many people but for a select few it can be fatal leading to serious respiratory illnesses.

One way of avoiding you and your staff members from falling victim to the flu is to receive your annual flu vaccine from your GP or pharmacy.

Common symptoms of flu include a high temperature, fatigue, headache, general aches and pains and a dry, chesty cough. If you are generally fit and healthy you can usually manage the symptoms at home yourself without seeing a doctor. The best remedy is to rest at home, keep warm and drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration. Paracetamol or ibuprofen may help lower a high temperature and relieve aches. A pharmacist will be able to provide advice on medication.

Melanie Craig, Chief Officer of the five NHS Clinical Commissioning Groups in Norfolk and Waveney, has received her vaccination and said: “The flu jab is quick and easy to receive and takes just a couple of minutes. This then not only protects me, but also helps protect my family at home from suffering from the flu and it ruining our Christmas.

“As a Chief Officer of an organisation I value the wellbeing of my staff and understand the impact an employee absence can have. At the CCGs we have been encouraging all our staff to receive their flu vaccination from their GP or local pharmacy.”

Those eligible for a free vaccination on the NHS can book their vaccination at their local GP surgery or pharmacy. For those who are not in the eligible categories, flu vaccinations are available from pharmacies for as little as £10.

Eligible criteria for a free NHS vaccination are:

Pregnant women

Those aged 65 or over

Those aged under 65 with long-term conditions

Carers

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Story by: Emma Jones [email protected]