RESIDENTS are being encouraged to get vaccinated as data shows the flu season has started unusually early this year.

Public Health bosses in East Sussex say vaccination is the best way for the public to protect themselves against the virus, which can have serious consequences.

The vaccine is particularly important for those at higher risk of getting seriously ill from flu including over 65s, pregnant women, people with long-term health conditions and young children.

Darrell Gale, East Sussex Director of Public Health, said: “Flu is a nasty illness with potentially serious consequences and the risk increases during cold weather.

“The flu vaccination is still the best way for people to protect themselves against the virus, and now is the best time to get it – before winter really starts to kick in.”

Symptoms of flu, which is spread by coughs and sneezes or touching surfaces on which germs have landed, include fever, chills, headaches, aches and pains in joints and muscles and extreme tiredness.

Flu can lead to serious complications for people with underlying conditions such as diabetes, respiratory conditions, neurological diseases such as MS and heart, kidney and liver disease.

Thousands of people have already received their flu vaccination, but East Sussex Public Health wants to encourage those who haven’t, particularly those at risk, to act now.

In the southeast, less than half of those at high risk have received the flu vaccination including just 31 per cent of at-risk under 65s, 34 per cent of pregnant women and 42 per cent of two and three-year-olds.

Meanwhile, cases of flu are increasing and UKHSA data suggests there is likely to be an increase of flu-related hospital admissions over the coming weeks.

Mr Gale added: “Getting the jab is quick, simple and free for the people who need it most. I’d urge all those eligible to make sure they get vaccinated to ensure they’re protected.”

People in at-risk groups can get the flu jab by talking to their GP or practice nurse or local pharmacy.

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