Epsom and St Helier urge families and elderly to get flu jab

Epsom and St Helier created a video this year starring children from the onsite nurseries as well as staff members from a range of different disciplines to get the message across.

The video is stylized as a spoof horror movie trailer to bring attention to the fact that flu can be dangerous illness for people at risk, such as pregnant women and the over 65s.

Anyone in these high risk groups is more likely to develop potentially serious, and in rare circumstances fatal, complications of flu, such as pneumonia.

Dr James Marsh, Joint Medical Director, said: "For people in at risk groups, flu can be very serious.

“That includes older people, those with weakened immune systems, and people with long-term medical conditions, like diabetes or heart disease.

“The best way to protect yourself and your loved ones from flu is by having the flu vaccine. It's quick, simple and it doesn't hurt much.”

He added: “Having the jab is certainly more pleasant than having flu. This year, the vaccine is also quadrivalent – meaning that it covers four different strains of flu, improving its effectiveness."

The symptoms of flu include a sudden fever and temperature of 38°C (100.4°F) or above, a dry, chesty cough, headaches, tiredness, chills, aching muscles, limb or joint pain and diarrhoea or upset stomach.

Symptoms will usually peak after two to three days and you should begin to feel much better within five to eight days.

However, you may have a lingering cough and still feel very tired for a further two to three weeks.

The flu vaccine only lasts for a year, so if you had a jab last year, you will need another one to stay flu safe. The jab doesn't contain the 'live' virus so it cannot give you the flu.

Contact your GP or local pharmacist to get your jab. It's free for those in at risk groups.

You can find out more about the flu jab on www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations/flu-influenza-vaccine.