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Gibraltar Health Authority advises flu jabs for those at risk
– Reported, January 20, 2012
Winter is the season for Influenza and a large variety of upper respiratory virus infections (collectively called FLU or Flu Like Illness). Of these, Influenza is by far the most serious disease but it is also the only one that can be prevented.
Influenza (Flu) is a highly infectious disease caused by a virus. Different strains of virus circulate in different years, but for this season the overwhelmingly dominant strain is the Swine Flu (H1N1-2009) virus that caused the swine flu pandemic last year. Unlike other Flu viruses, this virus is particularly severe on pregnant women, young people and people with certain pre-existing diseases. Treatment options for Influenza, once caught are limited, but the disease can be prevented by vaccination. Each year the three most commonly circulating viruses are identified in advance by the World Health Organisation and Seasonal Flu vaccines are produced that closely match them. This winters formulation includes the Swine Flu strain and provides protection against it.
The UK has been experiencing a sharp increase in Flu and FLI . Currently, on average, over 10,000 new cases are being reported every day in year 2011, of which about 60% are due to Swine Flu, which puts the outbreak at an epidemic level. In addition, 50 deaths have already been reported, most of them in persons who had not taken the vaccine. This includes two young pregnant women, who died shortly after giving birth.
Winter illness in Gibraltar generally follows UK patterns, although sometimes after a short lag period. In Gibraltar, GPs at the Primary Care Centre have reported increased workloads, but so far the laboratory has not detected swine flu.
The GHA obtained stocks of Seasonal Flu Vaccine (containing Swine Flu protection) and started offering it to high-risk groups of the public (see table) from October 2010.
Just over half the stock has been used up to date. Stocks of the single Swine Flu vaccine are also available as a back-up.
The GHA appeals to all persons meeting the above conditions, who have not already had the vaccine, to come forward and do so as soon as possible.
In particular, pregnant women who did not receive the swine flu vaccine last year should do so, as pregnant women are at an increased risk of severe disease and flu related hospital admissions. The vaccine is safe. There are no known problems from giving the seasonal flu (or swine flu) vaccine to women who are pregnant at any stage of the pregnancy.
It is vital that children who suffer from high risk diseases or those who have lowered immunity should receive the seasonal flu vaccination. These children are more likely to become seriously ill if they catch swine flu, and it could make their existing condition worse. Seasonal flu vaccine can be given at the same time as routine childhood vaccines. Children with immunological problems who did not get the swine flu vaccine last year will need an accelerated programme.
Credits: Gibraltar Life.
More information at: http://www.giblife.com/latest/gha-advises-flu-jabs-for-those-at-risk
– WF Team
