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by Lib Dem team on 8 December, 2015
Local residents who have chronic lung conditions, such as asthma or bronchitis, are being urged to take the flu jab, as they are at risk of serious complications if they catch the flu virus.
Stockport has around 20,000 people with asthma, which is characterized by recurrent difficulties with breathing and symptoms such as shortness of breath, wheezing, chest tightness, and coughing.
Additionally, people with asthma can become serious ill if they catch the flu virus. This is because people with asthma have swollen and sensitive airways and the flu can cause further inflammation of the airways and lungs.
To avoid falling sick, getting a flu vaccine each year is the best way to prevent the flu.
Brinnington resident Olwen Shandley suffers from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma, and she doesn’t put off getting the flu vaccination every year.
Olwen said: “I know I would be extremely poorly if I caught the flu. I have had the vaccine for five years and it has been a great help.”
Shirley Davies from Reddish also makes sure she has the flu jab every year to stay healthy during winter.
Shirley said: “I have had the flu vaccine for nearly 10 years and I would recommend it to all my friends and family, especially those with young children. There is no need to be scared; the jab is straightforward and painless.”
Dr Viren Mehta, a local GP and NHS Stockport CCG’s Clinical Director, added: “It is vitally important that people who have long term health conditions like asthma have their flu jab because of their heightened risk of suffering serious complications. Flu is potentially a life threatening illness but it is preventable so it makes no sense not to protect yourself against it if you are in one of the “at risk” groups.
“We always have a really good uptake of the flu vaccination, which shows that the residents of Stockport take a very responsible attitude towards keeping themselves healthy. We want that to continue so if you haven’t had your jab yet please book it in now.”
The flu campaign is supported by Stockport Council, the NHS Stockport Clinical Commissioning Group and the Stockport NHS Foundation Trust.
For further information about the flu vaccine and for a list of the other at-risk groups that are recommended to have the jab visit the Flu Vaccinations webpage.
4 Comments
Iain,
Thank you for noting the importance of these conditions and the Flu Jab.
It is worth noting however that there are many other conditions that also require the benefits of extra protection against influenza.
People should get the flu jab, but if you don’t meet the exact criteria it can be unbelievably difficult to get it. I am not 65, I do not have asthma, but I do get occasional bronchitis and have had pneumonia more than once. I have to go through the same rigmarole of talking to my doctor every year for it to be sanctioned. It just wastes his time for bureaucratic reasons Thank goodness for the brilliant Gatley Medical Centre.
Karen looking at your issues I would say that you are Just out of the directive issued by the NHS to qualify for the Jab and believe me it is not for bureaucratic reasons but simply due to lack of funds available.
You can of course go your Local Pharmacy and pay for the Jab if you feel you will benefit from it.
I qualify for the flu jab, but like a lot of other people I am terrified of needles so I do not go for it, and take the risk. But there is a nasal spray available now, but just for children, It would be good if it was also available for adults like myself, problem solved..