Stockport Council is urging all those who are in the health risk groups to get the flu jab, as the flu virus has started to appear in Stockport.
In the last few days we are aware of a number of confirmed cases of flu across Stockport.
The flu jab is currently available across Stockport GP surgeries and pharmacies to protect local residents from the current outbreak of flu and those who are at-risk of flu and its complications from falling ill.
Groups who are at risk include those aged six months to under 65 years in clinical risk groups (for example: chronic respiratory disease, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, bronchitis or emphysema; heart, kidney or liver disease; chronic neurological diseases, like multiple sclerosis or cerebral palsy; and diabetes), pregnant women and those aged 65 years and over.
Dr David Baxter, Stockport Council’s Consultant in Public Health, said: “Although unpleasant, for most healthy people, flu is a self-limiting illness. Symptoms include sudden onset of fever, cough as well as sore throat, aching muscles and joints. The best advice for treating flu in healthy people is to stay at home, rest, drink plenty of fluids and take pain relievers such as paracetamol. Children under 16 should not take any medicines containing aspirin.”
Dr Viren Mehta, a local GP and NHS Stockport CCG’s Clinical Director, added: “We all know plenty of people who’ve had flu and have got over it without any problems. This tends to make us a little complacent about flu. However, the reality is that flu is potentially a life threatening illness particularly if you’re elderly, pregnant or have a long term health problem.
“If you are in an at risk group please don’t put yourself at risk – if you haven’t had your vaccination yet get yourself booked in as soon as possible. Don’t take unnecessary risks with your health.”
Councillor Tom McGee, Stockport Council’s Executive Member for Health, said: “We’re now seeing the first cases of flu in Stockport and would advise those who have been invited and not had their flu jabs to do so at their local GPs or local pharmacy.”
The flu campaign is supported by Stockport Council, the NHS Stockport Clinical Commissioning Group and the Stockport NHS Foundation Trust.
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