Island Life Magazine Ltd October/November 2013 | Page 87

FASHION HEALTH & BEAUTY

Have your flu jab!
Few could complain about this
year’s summer, but now winter is fast
approaching. It is that time of the year
when many vulnerable Islanders are
prone to coughs and sneezes...and in
some cases much worse!
Be warned – flu is a killer! That is the
stark message from Dr. Simon Bryant,
the Island’s acting director of public
health, who talked to Island Life about
the dangers of winter illnesses, and the
best way to combat them.
Dr. Bryant said: “The one thing to
remember is that flu is nothing like
a heavy cold. Flu can cause a high
temperature, aches and pains, and is
a very serious illness. Some groups of
people should be particularly aware
of that – the over 65s; those with a

long-term medical condition; anyone
with a weakened immune system, and
ladies who are pregnant. We would
encourage all those types of people to
go to their GP and get their flu jab.
So the message is clear! Dr. Bryant
continued: “For the first time this year
the NHS England are operating a flu
immunisation programme for young
children; those aged two and three.
And the children will not be given an
injection; it will be a simple nasal spray.
“If anyone catches flu they will be
bed-ridden and pretty ill. It is important
they drink plenty of water, stay warm
and take Paracetamol at regular
intervals, as prescribed on the packet.
If you are worried about your condition
then phone your doctor rather than try

to get to the surgery. Facts show that
around 600 people die each year from
flu or complications brought on by it.”
Norovirus or winter vomiting is another
common complaint. Dr Bryant said: “It is
very important that people have really
good hand hygiene. Use a hand gel or
thoroughly wash your hands, and make
sure you don’t prepare food if you have
norovirus. Again some will be more
vulnerable, particularly the elderly and
the very young, but everyone should
ensure they wash their hands regularly.”
When winter really sets in it is
important to keep an eye out for senior
citizens who may live close by. Dr Bryant
said: “It is all about keeping warm,
because once the b