Sir Trevor McDonald and Mayor of London Sadiq Khan have backed a campaign encouraging Londoners to take up the free flu vaccine.

Residents are being urged to take steps now to tackle one of the biggest deadly winter viruses, also known as influenza, which on average causes 8,000 deaths a year in England.

During a visit to the Feltham Centre for Health in Hounslow, where Sir Trevor received his vaccine, he recorded a video message urging people to protect themselves and others this winter.

To help prepare for the seasonal flu Public Health England (PHE) and the NHS launched a joint nationwide campaign on Thursday (October 12) - Stay Well This Winter, which offers the free flu vaccination.

“I’ve agreed to be photographed having my flu jab today because my GP has advised me that it helps to protect not just myself, but the people around me,” said Sir Trevor.

“This year it’s more important than ever because of the heavy flu season being reported overseas. And if you’re 65 or over, it’s free.

“Don’t put it off. Contact your GP or pharmacist to arrange your flu jab.”

This year the national flu vaccination programme aims to boost the uptake of the vaccine to help the most vulnerable people prepare for winter, and more importantly avoid a visit to the hospital.

People with respiratory diseases such as asthma, cardiovascular problems including heart disease and those with chronic liver disease, are more likely to die if they catch the flu.

Sir Trevor McDonald urges Hounslow residents to take up free flu vaccine

The jab helps prevent complications that can arise from the common infectious illness.

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan added: “Every year flu affects thousands of Londoners.

"The flu vaccine is the best protection we have against an unpredictable virus.

"I’m an asthma sufferer and I know how important it is to protect yourself by getting the flu vaccine if you are in an at-risk group.

" I’ve had mine and I encourage all eligible Londoners to go and get their free flu vaccine too.”

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In 2016 in London, more than a third of two to three-year-olds, a quarter of four-year-olds, and 44% of children in school Years 1 - 3 were vaccinated against flu.

In addition, the flu vaccine was given to 47% of people in at-risk groups in London, 40% of pregnant women, and 65% of people aged 65 or older, with around 190,000 additional flu vaccines given in London pharmacies.

What is the flu?

First things first, do not mistaken it for the common cold. The symptoms are different, more sudden, severe and last longer.

Although it is widely known you can catch the flu all year round, it is most common in the winter.

Flu symptoms

  • high temperature (fever) of 38C (100.4F) or above
  • tiredness and weakness
  • headache
  • general aches and pains
  • dry, chesty cough
Sadiq Khan encourages Londoners to get vaccinated against flu virus

Who is eligible for the free flu vaccine?

The most vulnerable groups of people at increased risk from the effects of the virus include:

  • Children aged two to eight
  • Pregnant women
  • People aged over 65
  • Those with long term health conditions
  • Carers and care home workers

An annual flu vaccine nasal spray is given to healthy children in school years up to Year 4.

Where can you get vaccinated?

To combat the winter illness the flu vaccine can be given in pharmacies, GP practices and maternity services.

When should you get vaccinated?

According to the NHS, the prime time to have the vaccine is in the autumn.

So anything between the beginning of October to early November.

Flu prevention methods

You can prevent yourself from catching the flu or stop it from spreading with good hygiene.

Some of the basic methods include:

  • Always wash your hands with soap and warm water
  • Keep surfaces clean to get rid of any germs this includes things like your computer keyboard, telephone and door handles
  • Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing
  • Dispose of used tissues immediately
  • Stay off work or school until you feel better
Children between ages five to nine have been one of the most affected groups

What the experts say

Dr Yvonne Doyle, London regional director at Public Health England, said:

“Flu is capable of having a huge impact on London over the winter months particularly in schools, hospitals and care homes where we might see outbreaks. Londoners can help avoid this by getting the flu vaccine.

“Children are known to be super-spreaders of flu because they mix very closely with each other and are generally not as good as adults at using tissues for their noses and washing their hands.

"If we stop outbreaks of flu amongst children we can protect them and the wider community including vulnerable people such as babies and older people who may be harder hit by the effects of flu.

"Parents may not be aware that the vaccine is given to children as a nasal spray, which is a quick, easy and painless option, and eliminates the need for needles.

Regional chief nurse for London, Oliver Shanley, said:

"Flu is usually a mild illness but it can be very serious for some, including pregnant women, the very young and old, and people with long-term health conditions.

“The flu vaccine is our best defence against the virus and we would encourage everyone in the capital to get vaccinated especially if you are in one of these groups.

"Your GP or your pharmacist can give you more information on how to stay well this winter and arrange for your flu jab.”

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