Free flu jab available at doctors’ surgeries

In severe cases complications result in hospitalisation and the NHS is urging people, especially pregnant women, those over 65 or with chronic diseases such as asthma, to get the free vaccination at their GP surgery.

The service’s director of nursing Sandy Brown said: “Flu is different to getting a cold and the effects of seasonal flu are often underestimated. Figures from last year show that sometimes there can be devastating consequences.”

The service advises people to cover their mouths, use tissues and wash their hands and said those who do catch flu should drink plenty of fluids, keep warm and take paracetemol to alleviate temperatures.