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Weekly UpdatesByline: HELEN RAE
THE local NHS is to launch a major campaign to raise awareness of the different vaccines people in "at risk" groups need this winter.
Tyneside residents most vulnerable to the effects of swine flu and seasonal flu will be targeted as part of a campaign organised by NHS North of Tyne, which works on behalf of Newcastle Primary Care Trust (PCT), North Tyneside PCT and Northumberland Care Trust. The NHS makes annual preparations to encourage people over 65 and anyone with a long-term health condition to get the seasonal flu vaccine.
As the virus that causes seasonal flu mutates every year, a new vaccine is required and those at risk need to get a jab once a year to get protection from the latest strain.
This year in addition to the seasonal flu vaccine preparations are under way to roll out a swine flu vaccine to those most at risk of developing serious complications from the virus.
Since the first cases of swine flu were identified last May, scientists have been working to develop a vaccine that will protect against it.
The history of previous flu pandemics suggests that the current viral strain of swine flu will spread more widely in the autumn and winter, making a vaccine vital to protect those most likely to develop more serious complications from the virus.
Earlier this month the Department of Health announced that a vaccine for swine flu had been created.
The Government is prioritising delivery of the vaccine and in the first stage people who would usually get the seasonal flu vaccine are being offered at swine flu vaccine.
Health Secretary Andy Burnham said: "The UK will be one of the first countries in the world to receive a vaccine supply, thanks to contracts put in place by the Government in advance of the pandemic.
"Although the virus has so far proved to be mild in most people, for others it has been more serious. By vaccinating high-risk groups first, we aim to protect those most vulnerable to this virus."
Comprehensive details on exactly when and how people will receive the swine flu vaccine will be released by the Department of Health in the coming months.
Dr Mike Guy, medical director for North Tyneside and Newcastle Primary Care Trust and Northumberland Care Trust, said: "As the winter months approach, it is important that those at risk of developing potentially fatal complications from flu get the free jab to protect themselves.
"Swine flu and seasonal flu are two very different viruses, which is why it''s important that those who do fall into the 'at risk' categories make time to have both vaccines.
"If you usually get the seasonal flu vaccine, this year you''ll also need to get the swine flu vaccine."
At the moment the swine flu vaccine will only be offered to those who fall into the categories of "at risk" groups.
A decision on vaccinating the wider healthy population will depend on the evolution of the pandemic as well as new and emerging clinical data on the use of the vaccine.
Dr Guy said: "For most people, getting the flu or indeed getting swine flu remains a fairly mild illness that they can recover from using over-thecounter flu remedies and taking plenty of rest.
"This is why the seasonal flu vaccine and the swine flu vaccine are only being offered to those who have underlying health conditions and are in 'at risk' groups.
"There are simple steps that everyone can take to help prevent catching colds and flu based on good respiratory and hand hygiene. Always use a tissue to catch your sneezes, throw away used tissues, where germs can linger, and regularly wash your hands."
To find out more about seasonal flu, swine flu and getting the jab, talk to your local GP, nurse or pharmacist or visit www.nhs.uk/flu Who will be a priority for the swine flu vaccine? People who are most at risk from swine flu need to be vaccinated first. These groups are, in order of priority: People aged between six months and 65 years in the seasonal flu vaccine at risk groups.
Pregnant women, subject to licensing.
People who live with those whose immune systems are compromised, such as cancer patients or people with HIV/Aids.
People aged 65 and over in the seasonal flu vaccine at-risk groups.
What are the seasonal flu vaccine at-risk groups? Anyone 65 or over. Anyone with an underlying health condition including: Chronic respiratory disease, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD); Chronic heart disease; Chronic kidney disease, such as kidney failure; Chronic liver disease; Chronic neurological disease; Diabetes requiring insulin or oral hypoglycaemic drugs and immunosuppression.
Why are we more susceptible to flu in the winter? THERE are several theories for why the flu virus occurs more frequently at winter - October to April - than at other times of the year. One theory has been that because people are indoors more often in cold weather, this means the virus is more likely to be transmitted from person to person.
Others have argued that immunity to the virus is linked to levels of vitamin D, which is produced in the skin following exposure to sunlight. Lower levels of sun exposure in winter leads to lower immunity, it was claimed.
Recent research has suggested that the influenza virus lives longer when the air is cold and dry rather than when it is hot and humid.
The research suggests humidity is important because it affects the transmission and survival of viral particles in airborne droplets. Cold, dry weather can dry people's mucus, preventing the body from effectively expelling virus particles.
PREVENTION - Dr Mike Guy
CAPTION(S):
CAMPAIGN - Health Secretary Andy Burnham PROTECTION - Those with long-term health problems and elderly people are eligible for flu jabs
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