WIREDGOV

As the clocks go back to herald the start of the new season, the winter months bring with them darker days, blustery spells, and ever-lasting cold snaps – enough to consign even the most robust of individuals to their beds with those all too familiar cold and flu symptoms.

Seasonal flu is a highly infectious disease caused by a virus. It occurs every year, usually in the winter and brings on a range of symptoms including unusual tiredness, headaches and aching muscles. 

The virus is sometimes mistaken as a slightly more unpleasant cold when in fact, seasonal flu is far more serious and can be potentially life-threatening for people aged 65 or over, or for those under 65 with underlying health problems such as a heart problem or diabetes.

For those people more at risk, seasonal flu can increase the risk of serious illness, such as pneumonia, or make existing conditions worse. Seasonal flu vaccination is available to help protect people who are more at risk.

For the most part of our lives, the state of our health comes down to numbers – our recommended daily calorie intake, our ideal body mass index and our blood pressure rate to name but a few.

In support of the Department of Health’s recently launched campaign to encourage at risk groups to get their free annual seasonal flu jab from their local GP, we have identified the figures you need to know about seasonal flu and the jab that can help prevent weeks of illness, and potentially even save your life.

8000 – Every year, seasonal flu accounts for approximately 8,000 deaths in England and Wales.

15% - In the average year, up to 15% of the population will get seasonal flu.

65+ -   If you are 65 or over, you are at increased risk of developing serious complications as a result of the virus and are eligible for a free seasonal flu jab from your local GP.

6 months – 65 – Adults (including pregnant women) and children aged six months to 65 years who suffer from long term conditions such as heart disease, diabetes or a chest complaint or breathing difficulties are eligible for the free jab.

74.3% - The percentage of people in the South West aged 65 and over who had the seasonal flu jab in 2008-2009.

47.5% - The percentage of at risk individuals under the age of 65 in the South West who had the seasonal flu jab in 2008-2009.

70 and 80% - Most people who have the seasonal flu vaccination will not get seasonal flu. However, out of every 100 people who have the jab, 70-80 will be protected, while others are more likely to get milder symptoms.

38°C / 100.4°F – Patients with seasonal flu typically have a fever or a high temperature over 38°C / 100.4°F.

4 – Seasonal flu peaks every winter over four months – December to March-  which is why the Department of Health is urging those in the at risk groups to make sure they get their free jab now before seasonal flu starts to circulate.

1 – One vaccination every year is all it takes to help protect yourselves from seasonal flu if you are in an at-risk group. Those who got the seasonal flu vaccine last year will need a new jab this winter.