Stop the spread of flu and avoid being a statistic this Christmas
The number of people with flu in a Kent and Medway hospital rose by 16 per cent in just one week, figures out today show.
Health bosses are urging all eligible people to come forward and be vaccinated ahead of Christmas to protect loved ones and reduce pressure on the NHS.
Latest figures published today show 92 people were in hospital with the virus on 14 December, up from 79 for the week before.
The update comes during the fourteenth strike by resident doctors, just days before Christmas, at a time when the NHS is at its busiest.
You can get the free flu vaccine at a pharmacy. Appointments can be booked online, via the NHS App or by calling 119 for free.
If you are aged 18 and over, you can also get vaccinated at pop-up clinic, which are taking place across the county on the following dates:
Chatham Dockside: Friday, 19 to Monday, 22 December from 10am to 4pm
Gravesend Gurdwara: Friday, 19 December from 9am to 2pm
Edenbridge Memorial Health Centre: Thursday, 18 December from 10am to 4pm
Number One Community Centre, Tunbridge Wells: Friday, 19 December from 10am to 4pm
Riverhead Village Hall, Sevenoaks: Saturday, 20 December from 10am to 4pm
Age UK, Margate: Monday, 22 December from 9am to 5pm.
Flu symptoms come on very quickly. They include a sudden high temperature, an aching body, a dry cough and feeling tired or exhausted.
While some people can safely self-care at home, flu can be very serious for others; young children, those with certain health conditions and older people.
There are things you can do to treat yourself such as rest, drink fluids and take pain relief if needed.
A pharmacist can give treatment advice and recommend flu remedies. You can find a map of pharmacies at www.StopThinkChoose.co.uk
Dr Kate Langford, NHS Kent and Medway's chief medical officer, said: “We are seeing a significant rise in flu this winter and need your help.
“The NHS will take urgent action to reduce flu entering and spreading in hospitals, but people can play their part too.
“Please, if you're eligible, get vaccinated now. Take simple precautions to avoid getting ill and if you are feeling under the weather, contact NHS 111 or a local pharmacy.
“With the latest strikes running until Monday, we are asking people to think carefully and make sure they use the right service for them.”
Protect others
Medway Council and Kent County Council have issued advice to people to help them avoid spreading germs.
David Whiting, Medway Council's director of public health, said: “If you are feeling unwell, please stay at home to help protect others. I would strongly encourage everyone who is eligible to get vaccinated too. Simple actions can help make a real difference - catching sneezes and coughs in a tissue and throwing it away, washing your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds - by taking small steps like this, we can all help to reduce the spread of illness in our families and communities this winter.”
Kent County Council Director of Public Health, Dr Anjan Ghosh, said: "It's normal for viruses to evolve. But the slightly altered H3N2 flu strain circulating this winter means there is less natural immunity in the community. It's why we've seen an unusually early start to the flu season and older adults who catch flu being more severely affected, increasing pressure on the NHS.
"Flu levels to date have been highest among children but as families get together over the festive break, the UK Health Security Agency expects to see the virus passed to grandparents. It makes it really important we all do what we can to make sure flu isn't something we gift this Christmas.
"Reduce the risk of spreading flu by staying away from others if you feel unwell, particularly someone who is frail, has a long term health condition or is recovering from an operation. If you have to go out, wearing a face covering can help protect those around you. If you are visiting vulnerable family or friends in a care home or hospital, please follow their rules for safe visits."
If you think you have flu, you should contact NHS 111 if:
you're worried about your baby's or child's symptoms
you're 65 or over
you're pregnant
you have a long-term medical condition - for example, diabetes or a condition that affects your heart, lungs, kidneys, brain or nerves
you have a weakened immune system - for example, because of chemotherapy or HIV
your symptoms do not improve after seven days.
Give the gift of protection this festive season. Book your winter vaccine appointment today. Visit GetVaccinatedNow.co.uk to find out more.