Health chiefs issue Welshpool flu warning

Health chiefs in the Welshpool area have issued a New Year flu warning after confirming a huge rise in the number of cases reported over the festive period.

The warning, issued by the Powys Teaching Health Board, is particularly targeted to those classed in the ‘vulnerable’ groups who can get a free vaccination.

Their campaign warns local residents that ‘Flu is circulating in your area' with advice on how to avoid it.

MyWelshpool has agreed to issue the following advice on their behalf:

Free annual NHS flu vaccination is available from GP practices and participating pharmacies for:

·      People with one (or more) long term health condition

·      Individuals from 6 months of age who have a medical condition that increases their vulnerability to complications of influenza are routinely offered annual flu vaccination. This includes people with:

- Chest problems (including moderate to severe asthma)

- Diabetes (including diet controlled)

- Heart problems

- Kidney disease

- Liver disease

- Neurological disease (including stroke and mini stroke)

- Suppressed immune system (maybe due to cancer treatment)

·      Adults with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 or more

·      Pregnant women

·      People aged 65 years or over

·      People who live in a care home

·      Health care workers

·      Social care workers

Children: Children aged 2-7 years old will receive flu vaccine routinely this flu season.

More information about free flu vaccination is available from www.beatflu.org