IF you are over 65 and haven't yet had the flu vaccine, thePublic Health Agency has advised that you get the jab as soon aspossible.
Latest figures from the Public Health Agency show that flu caseshave increased again but the level of increase is less than thatseen in previous weeks.
GP consultation rates for influenza like illness in primary carehave increased by 45% compared with 104% in the previous week.
PHA is continuing its efforts to urge 'at-risk' groups --including the elderly and pregnant women -- to get vaccinatedagainst flu, following increasing levels of flu cases in thecommunity.
While H1N1 is the main strain of flu circulating, we are seeingcases of other flu strains which can also be prevented by theseasonal flu vaccine.
Vaccine policy is clearly set out by DHSSPS on the advice of thenational Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI)which advises all UK Health departments on immunisation policy.
The PHA is also advising the public to take extra measures toreduce the risk of catching or spreading the flu virus, particularlywhen most people have returned to work and children are back atschool after the Christmas holidays.
Dr Lorraine Doherty, Assistant Director of Public Health (HealthProtection), PHA said: 'We have seen a rise in the number ofseasonal flu cases. However, flu cases are still not as high as seenduring 2008/09 or during last winter's flu pandemic.
'Nevertheless, a number of people are ill in intensive care unitswith flu and it is thus important that every effort is made toprevent flu transmission in the community. The PHA would like toadvise the public of how everyone can play their part in preventingthe spread of this highly infectious disease.'
'If you do get flu this year, our advice is to stay at home anddon't spread your infection to others.
'Rest, drink plenty of fluids and use over-the-counter remediesif they make you feel more comfortable. GPs and hospitals are busydealing with flu cases, so I would emphasise that people should stayat home and contact their GP only if their condition worsens or ifthey are in an 'at risk' group or pregnant and not recovering.
'Do not visit relatives or friends in hospital if you aresneezing, have a cough or have other symptoms of flu-like illness,'added Dr Doherty.
She continued: 'Receiving the seasonal flu vaccine is the bestway to protect yourself and others from getting the virus. So, ifyou are in an 'at-risk' group, get the vaccine now -- it's still nottoo late.'
The public can also take simple effective measures to protectthemselves. The flu virus is spread in the small droplets of salivacoughed or sneezed into the air by an infected person.
If you breathe in these droplets, you may become infected, butthis spread can be prevented.
Use a tissue to cover your mouth and nose when coughing orsneezing, throw the tissue in the bin and wash your hands as soon asyou can. These measures can help prevent all flu and flu-likeillnesses.
For further information and advice on flu visitwww.publichealthagency.hscni.net
