Rebecca Evans urges Gower to Beat Flu

Rebecca Evans AM, Assembly Member for Gower, has joined the Beat Flu campaign, encouraging people most at risk of contracting flu to get the flu vaccination.
 
Rebecca Evans said: “Flu can be life-threatening, but the flu jab is a simple and effective way to combat the virus. Vaccines are available free of charge to anyone in the 'at risk' category.

Dr Richard Roberts, Head of the Vaccine Preventable Disease Programme at Public Health Wales, said, “Flu vaccine is strongly recommended for everyone at higher risk of severe influenza, a group which includes those aged 65 or over, people who have long term health conditions, pregnant women as well as all two to seven year olds. 

"Flu vaccination is available free for all these groups, and also for those who are unpaid carers.  This year the NHS is also providing free vaccination for morbidly obese adults – that is adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or above.

“Most people who catch influenza (or ‘the flu’) usually recover after 4-5 days of fever, headache, aching muscles and sore throat. But influenza can also be more serious and require hospital care. Last winter, as in most winters, there were many deaths from influenza.”
 
Mrs Evans added: “Even if you are not regarded as being at risk, you can still commit to Beat Flu this winter by reminding eligible relatives and friends to get their flu vaccine."