People on the east coast are being reminded of the importance of washing their hands and using tissues to stop germs spreading in the fight against flu this winter.
The call comes from HealthEast, the clinical commissioning group for Great Yarmouth and Waveney, as the NHS relaunches its annual “Catch it. Bin it. Kill it” campaign.
The campaign is designed to highlight the importance of basic hygiene and the impact which it can have on preventing the spread of infection. It reminds people to follow three simple steps:
• cough or sneeze into a tissue
• put it in the bin, and
• wash your hands to stop the spread of germs
Cath Gorman, director of quality and safety with HealthEast, said: “At this time of year, lots of people start suffering with coughs and colds. We’re reminding people to ‘catch it, bin it, kill it’ to help reduce the spread of germs and protect themselves, their families and colleagues from falling ill.
“Washing your hands regularly with soap and warm water is a very effective, yet inexpensive way of keeping germs at bay. We would also encourage anyone who is eligible for a flu jab to get in touch with their GP and arrange an appointment.”
People who are eligible for the free flu vaccination include pregnant women, people over the age of 65, and those under 65 who suffer from long term illnesses such as heart or chest diseases or diabetes. The vaccine changes annually to reflect the most dominant strains of flu currently in circulation, which means even people who had a jab last winter should make sure they do so again this year.
Anyone who is eligible for the jab should have been contacted by their GP surgery. Anyone who thinks they may be eligible but has not received a letter should check with their surgery direct.
Ms Gorman added: “Flu can be a very serious illness, especially for those in at risk groups, and can kill. But you can protect yourself in just five minutes by having the vaccine.
“If you have received an invitation from your GP to have the jab, please do book an appointment and keep yourself safe this winter.”
Note: Those eligible for the flu jab are:
• people 65 years of age or over
• pregnant women
• people living in a residential or nursing home
• carers for an elderly or disabled person whose welfare may be at risk if they fall ill
• frontline health or social care workers
• people with conditions such as chronic heart, liver or kidney disease, chronic respiratory disease, diabetes or a weakened immune system
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