As colder weather approaches people with chronic illnesses and respiratory conditions in Watford are being urged to have a potentially life-saving flu jab.
West Hertfordshire Hospitals NHS Trust has said last winter people with underlying health problems were 11 times more likely to die from seasonal flu than fit and well people.
Among those most at risk are people with conditions such as asthma, heart disease or multiple sclerosis.
Pregnant women and people over 65 years old are also more at risk from flu.
However the trust, which oversees Watford General Hospital, said sometimes people underestimated the risks posed by common flu.
Dr Colin Johnston, the trust’s medical director said: “People with long-term conditions are used to managing their health and taking precautions, however many do not consider flu to be a risk.
“Getting flu when you already have a long term condition can lead to serious complications and tragically in some cases death. But these can be prevented by having the free vaccine.
“Unlike other medication for long term conditions, the flu jab is an annual one-off vaccine. It is a new vaccine each year to fight the flu virus which also changes every year.
“So please don’t underestimate flu; take time to get the free jab at your local GP surgery and help protect yourself.”
Each winter the East of England Ambulance Service said it experienced an increase in the number emergency 999 calls from people suffering from flu.
Dr Pamela Chrispin, medical director for East of England Ambulance Service, added: “Getting flu when you already have a long term condition can be devastating.
“Unlike people with no underlying health condition who can treat themselves at home, often people suffering from flu with a long term condition will need transporting into hospital for treatment.
“And in many cases, that can be very upsetting for the patient and their loved ones because they may have already spent a great deal of time in a health setting.
"I urge anyone with a long term health condition to get the jab to help them stay out of hospital”.
West Hertfordshire Hospitals said there are also simple precautions people can take to protect against the spread of flu such as regularly washing their hands and binning tissues used in coughs and sneezes after one use.
