Carers advised to protect themselves against flu this winter

People who are the main carer of an elderly or disabled person or who receive carer's allowance, are urged to take up their free flu vaccine this winter to reduce the likelihood of catching or spreading the virus, and to help protect those they care for.

Flu is a highly contagious disease that can easily spread through the air when a person carrying the virus coughs or sneezes, or when someone touches surfaces where the virus has landed and then touch their eyes, nose or mouth. Flu symptoms can include a high temperature, headache, tiredness, and a sore throat. Flu can be caught all year round, but is more common during the winter. Whilst anyone can catch it, those who are elderly or with long-term health conditions are at a higher risk from flu and the life-threatening complications that can come with it. As a carer it is therefore important that you protect yourself and those you care for from the infection as much as possible.

Dr Annapurna Sen, Consultant in Health Protection for West Northamptonshire Council says:

"It is important if you are a carer to look after yourself and the person you care for by getting vaccinated against flu. Staying healthy and well this winter is vital to avoiding the flu infection. The only effective way to do this is by getting the vaccine, which is free and quick to receive."

"There are still many eligible carers across West Northamptonshire who have not yet taken up the offer of their free flu vaccination this winter. I urge you to get vaccinated to protect yourself and those around you."

Mark Major, CEO of Northamptonshire Carers, added: "Carers play a vital role not just in supporting those in their family that they look after but in our wider community as well.

Access to vaccinations to keep themselves and those they look after safe and well is really important so we would encourage Carers to take up the opportunities to access these this winter."

If you are a carer and have not yet been vaccinated, contact your GP or visit www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/prescriptions-and-pharmacies/pharmacy-nhs-flu-vaccine-service/ to find your nearest pharmacy offering the flu jab.