As the temperature drops, Cumbria's health bosses are urging all local residents to get a flu jab.
In particular, they're targeting people with long-term health conditions, people aged over 65, pregnant women and parents of children under seven.
GP Hugh Reeve – NHS Cumbria Clinical Commissioning Group’s Interim Chief Clinical Officer said: “This is the biggest ever drive to make sure that people in the ‘at risk’ groups get some protection to help them stay well as the winter months approach. Across Cumbria GPs have already started offering vaccinations to people who are eligible and we are reminding everyone that flu is very different to a heavy cold – for vulnerable people it can be a very nasty illness which can result in very serious complications.”
Colin Cox, Cumbria County Council’s director of public health, said: “It is really important that people who are in the at risk groups get a flu jab to give them the best chance of staying well this winter. For many people flu is an unpleasant illness but for more vulnerable people – small children, older people, pregnant women and those with long term health problems including chronic chest disease, heart disease and diabetes it can be extremely dangerous and can result in deaths.
“Getting the vaccine is the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones from catching flu and I would urge everyone who is offered the vaccine free on the NHS to get vaccinated.”