Seasonal flu still a risk say health chiefs

PENSIONERS and those in poor health have been urged not to let the swine flu issue distract them from the importance of avoiding its seasonal counterpart.

Health chiefs said seasonal flu was still a threat for those in at-risk categories, such as the elderly or those with respiratory problems. They are concerned that hysteria relating to the H1N1 virus could let other strains slip from the agenda.

In fact, those aged over 65 are far less likely to contract swine flu because their immune system has had more exposure to different variations of flu over the years.

Dr Sarah De Martin, from NHS Lothian's public health department, is leading the vaccination programme against seasonal flu.

She said: "We are expecting a higher uptake of seasonal flu vaccine given the publicity around the swine flu pandemic. People need to realise that the H1N1 vaccination won't protect you against seasonal flu and vice versa."