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Don't pass on flu - Catch it, Kill it, Bin it
Simple measures like using a tissue, washing your hands and having the flu vaccine can help stop flu spreading, say local health experts.
Dr Sarah Harrison, Public Health Consultant at Torbay Care Trust explains: "Flu is a highly infectious illness which can spread rapidly through the coughs and sneezes of infected people. The best way of not passing flu on to your family and friends is by adopting the "Catch it, Kill it, Bin it" habit, which means covering your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, using a tissue when possible, and disposing of the tissue promptly and carefully.
"We also strongly recommend that you:
- maintain good basic hygiene, for example washing your hands frequently with soap and water to reduce the spread of the virus from your hands to face or to other people
- clean hard surfaces (e.g. door handles) frequently using a normal cleaning product
- encourage your children to follow this advice.
"People with flu typically have a fever or a high temperature (over 38°C / 100.4°F) and two or more of the following symptoms:
- unusual tiredness
- headache
- runny nose
- sore throat
- shortness of breath or cough
- loss of appetite
- aching muscles
- diarrhoea and/or vomiting
People with minor injuries or illnesses such as flu, colds, diarrhoea and vomiting are being urged not to attend the A&E department at Torbay Hospital as this puts additional pressure on services, making it difficult for staff to treat patients with urgent medical conditions.
Dr Harrison says: "If you have flu-like symptoms you should stay at home, keep warm and rest, let a member of your family or friend know that you are ill, drink plenty of liquids and eat what you can. If you are over the age of 65, are pregnant or have a long term health condition, or if your symptoms get worse and you have chest pains or experience shortness of breath, you should contact your GP or NHS Direct".
"Although Christmas is finished for another year, the flu season is far from over, and it is not too late to get protected. People in at risk groups are more likely to develop complications if they catch flu, and the seasonal flu jab will not only protect them, it will also protect their families and the people around them. Even if people have already had a flu vaccine in previous years, they need another one this year. This is because the viruses that cause flu are always changing."
At-risk groups include pregnant women, people with asthma, chronic kidney disease, diabetes, those with lowered immunity due to cancer or other causes, people over 65 and those suffering from chronic heart of chest complaints. The 'at risk' groups include children with long term conditions as well as adults.
The free seasonal flu jab this year contains a vaccine to protect against the latest flu strains, which include the H1N1 virus (swine flu) and influenza B. Both of these strains are circulating in the local community. Those who are in the at-risk groups should contact their GP surgery to make an appointment to have the jab.
NHS Direct 
's health and symptom checkers enables you to assess symptoms online and receive personalised clinical advice on the best course of action. Or alternatively call NHS Direct on 0845 4647.
's health and symptom checkers enables you to assess symptoms online and receive personalised clinical advice on the best course of action. Or alternatively call NHS Direct on 0845 4647.More information about flu can be found on the NHS Choices: Flu website.
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Contact Customer Service Centre
- Tel: 01803 219700
- Email: csc.torbaycaretrust@nhs.net
- Fax: 01803 219893
