Flu and Heart Disease
People with heart disease are being warned about the risk of serious complications of flu and are urged to have their flu vaccination this winter.
Flu is a highly infectious disease, which is passed on through coughing, sneezing and touching someone who is already carrying the virus. Having the flu is very different to having the cold and symptoms come on quicker and are much more severe.
Most people recover from flu within a week or two but people with long-term medical conditions and older people could be ill for longer with more serious complaints.
The virus changes every year and a new vaccine is created, so it’s important that you have the vaccine every year. The vaccine does not contain live viruses so cannot give you flu and side effects of the vaccine are rare.
To ensure you have a healthy winter this year, contact your GP practice about having your free flu jab.