Seasonal flu vaccine

Latest figures from the Health Protection Agency (HPA) indicate that levels of seasonal flu are continuing to increase across the UK.

The most common strain of flu circulating is the H1N1 'swine' flu but there are also some cases of Influenza B. The current vaccine covers all the prevalent strains of flu this year.

Professor John Watson, head of the respiratory diseases department at the HPA, said: 'We are seeing a large amount of flu circulating across the country and would urge those people in an at-risk group to have their seasonal flu vaccine as soon as possible as this is the best way to protect themselves from flu this winter.

‘Anyone displaying severe flu symptoms, particularly those in vulnerable groups should contact their GP or local out-of-hours service for medical advice.'

Professor Watson continued: 'It is important that people do all they can to reduce the spread of the virus and they can do this by maintaining good cough and hand hygiene, such as covering your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough and sneeze, disposing of the tissue as soon as possible and cleaning your hands as soon you can.

'These are all important actions that can help prevent the spread of germs and reduce the risk of flu transmission.'

People living with HIV are considered to be an 'at-risk' group and this advice is of particular importance to people with low CD4 white blood cell counts.

There is further information about the flu jab on the NHS Choices website here.