SWINE flu still poses a danger, NHS officials in Oxfordshire have warned as they prepare to offer flu vaccinations to pregnant women for the first time.

NHS Oxfordshire is launching its flu campaign this week with the warning that the H1N1 virus is still circulating.

Those most at risk include the over-65s and younger people with long-term health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, asthma, multiple sclerosis, or serious kidney and liver disease.

Gail Stockford, the immunisation manager for NHS Oxfordshire, said: “The seasonal flu vaccine protects against the H1N1 virus, or swine flu, that will still be circulating this winter.

“Pregnant women who catch this strain are at an increased risk of severe disease and flu-related hospital admission.” She added: “Don’t underestimate the effects of seasonal flu. It’s not the same as getting a cold and can seriously affect your health.

“For people under 65 with long-term conditions such as diabetes or heart conditions remember that even if you feel well, you are at increased risk of seasonal flu and the jab is your best protection.”

The first antiviral collection point was set up in Oxfordshire in July last year to hand out hundreds of doses of the flu drug Tamiflu.

At the peak of the pandemic that month, about 500 doses of Tamiflu were being issued in the county each day.

Since then, 23,946 doses of Tamiflu and similar drugs have been issued by NHS Oxfordshire and more than 45,000 people have been immunised across the county.

No-one in the county is believed to have died as a result of contracting the swine flu virus.

Mrs Stockford added: “The best way to avoid flu is to get immunised, but in addition, people can protect themselves by practising good hand hygiene with the ‘catch it, bin it, kill it’ technique.

“This means carrying tissues, covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue, disposing of the tissue after one use, and cleaning hands as soon as possible with soap and water or an alcohol hand gel.

“If you are eligible for a free seasonal flu vaccine jab, take advantage and visit your GP as soon as possible to protect yourself and others this winter.

“It is also available at many local pharmacies, including those in supermarkets.”

  • For more information about swine flu and flu vaccinations, see oxfordshirepct.nhs.uk