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Just what the doctor
ordered
(Filed: 27/09/2002)
The flu season is upon us - but the NHS has 13
million vaccines for those at risk, reports Christine Doyle
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Once again, the influenza season is here. Yesterday,
the first patients attended Dr Sam Everington's surgery in east London
for their flu jabs, and on Monday, regular clinics for those patients
who are considered most at risk of complications will begin.
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Sneezy does it: jabs can help
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The reminders went out long ago, says Dr Everington,
whose clinics have become popular events. "Patients catch up with
friends over a cup of tea. It takes about two weeks for the jab to take
effect, so they will be protected, should there be an epidemic."
This is the message behind the Department of Health's
annual flu campaign, which also starts next week. Thirteen and a half
million NHS vaccine shots are available - two million more than last
year - and the aim is to protect at least 70 per cent of those at most
risk from flu. Last year, 68 per cent were vaccinated - compared to a
target of 65 per cent.
The older you are, the more likely you are to develop
complications such as pneumonia or bronchitis, so the vaccine is on
offer to everyone over 65. People with respiratory conditions, such as
asthma, diabetes, heart disease and weakened immune systems, are also
vulnerable.
Invariably, says Dr Everington, some people do not
realise they need protection. "Younger people in vulnerable categories
do not always think 'at risk' means them." According to Age Concern,
some older people also shy away from the vaccine. They think they will
get over flu easily, or they worry about the jab's side effects
(flu-like symptoms).
This year's vaccine will provide up to 90 per cent
protection against the three most prevalent flu virus strains. There is
a B strain, which usually causes milder illness, and two A strains,
which tend to be more unpleasant.
In the past two years, we have escaped relatively
lightly, but healthy adults are increasingly paying for their own jabs.
Next week, Boots expects record numbers to book a £20 flu vaccination at
selected stores. Last year was a sell-out.
According to the World Health Organisation, influenza
accounts for 10 per cent of all absences from work in this country.
American researchers recently recommended that all working adults should
be vaccinated. Dr Patrick Lee of Stanford Hospital, California, says:
"It is cost effective for the whole society to be vaccinated against
flu."
How flu viruses will behave each year is unpredictable.
Even more difficult to forecast is the emergence of a lethal pandemic,
like the one in 1918, when Spanish flu swept round the world. But,
according to John Oxford, professor of virology at the Queen Mary School
of Medicine in London and an international influenza specialist, "It is
only a matter of time." Dr Maria Zambon, head of the respiratory virus
unit at the Public Health Service Central Laboratory, explains: "There
is a huge reservoir of viruses in birds, chiefly in Asia, with a
tremendous and unpredictable capacity for producing something new.
"These viruses have a vast range of tricks to help them
adapt to life in humans. If a particularly virulent bird virus combined
with a mild virus that was already well adapted in humans, you might
have the emergence of a chimera that could sweep the world."
So far this year, the international surveillance system
has picked up no more signs of an incubating pandemic than in any
previous year. On average, we have a pandemic every 10 to 40 years. An
epidemic is defined as 400 cases of flu per 100,000 people. Even in a
normal year, when cases can reach 200 per 100,000, there can be about
4,000 deaths.
If you are at risk, book your flu shot now. Not all NHS
jabs are taken up by those considered at most risk, so if you would like
one, it is worth asking your GP about availability.
How to
prevent and fight infections
Avoid stress
Stress depletes the immune system and can make flu
worse. While moderate exercise is healthy, too much can be stressful.
Drink plenty of fluids
Viruses thrive in dried-out nasal passages, especially
in stuffy trains and air-conditioned offices. Nasal mucus is nature's
way of washing viruses from the nasal passages, before they start
reproducing. Drink at least two litres of fluid a day.
Eat colourful fruit and vegetables
A balanced healthy diet will not only boost your immune
system to help prevent infection, but also encourage faster recovery.
Aim to eat at least five to seven portions of fruit or vegetables a day,
plus brown bread and plenty of fish. Remember that seafood, especially
crab and oysters, nuts and "hot" peppery spices are rich in zinc. Add
garlic to meals whenever you can.
Stay away from trouble
Flu viruses are picked up whenever you come into
contact with someone who is infected or from handrails in a crowded bus
or train. Avoid touching your eyes and nose, and wash hands frequently.
Boost your immune system
Prof Ron Eccles, director of the Common Cold Research
Centre, says: "Zinc is thought to help white cells fight infection.
Studies also suggest that vitamin C and zinc supplements prevent and
reduce the severity of infections." (Try Vick Vital: £1.99 for 18
lozenges.) Ester-C is an easily absorbable and fast-acting form of
vitamin C. The makers claim it stays in the body longer than other
products (from £8 for 50 tablets). Echinacea fans might like to try the
new effervescent form of this traditional remedy, Health Craft (£4.49
for 20 high dose - 1,000mg - tablets).
Want a flu jab, but not on your GP's "at risk" list?
Boots's flu vaccination programme starts next Tuesday
and continues throughout October, "while stocks last". To find the
nearest store offering vaccines, tel: 0845 070 8090. Bupa Wellness
offers a flu vaccination in the workplace for £16. For details, tel:
0845 300 8220, or visit www.bupa.com. Vaccinations are also available at
six London Medicentres for £14. Tel: 0870 600 0870.
What is the difference between a cold and flu?
Flu attacks swiftly with a raging fever and chills. In
colds, these are rare or develop gradually. Headaches and muscle aches
and pains are quite usual and often severe during flu, but are rare in
colds. Usually, flu sufferers have little option but to retire to bed
for a few days, but colds are less debilitating. It can take two to
three weeks to recover from flu, but only a few days for a cold.
How to treat flu
Reduce fever and ease aches and pains with painkillers.
Take advice from the pharmacist on decongestants, cough remedies or
throat lozenges. Gerald Zeidman, who advises the Proprietary Association
of Great Britain, says: "Make sure any over-the-counter remedies do not
conflict with prescribed medicine, or painkillers you already take."
As flu is a viral illness, antibiotics will not help.
However, if you develop a greenish-yellow phlegm, this might indicate a
bacterial complication, requiring an antibiotic. Should you be in a high
risk group, your GP might prescribe Relenza or amantadine, an anti-flu
drug, at the first sign of flu symptoms.
Cold and Flu Council:
www.coldandflucouncil.org
NHS Direct: 0845 4647, or visit
www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk
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