Health chiefs urge people to have jabs after spate of swine flu deaths

Health chiefs have urged people to be vaccinated against swine flu. The move followed the revelation that the same virus that swept the country last year has claimed the lives of 10 adults in the UK in the past six weeks. The Health Protection Agency said that the deaths involved adults under the age of 65 and were all associated with H1N1 swine flu. Most had underlying conditions, but "a small proportion" were healthy before contracting the virus, a spokeswoman added. "Over the last few weeks we have seen a rise in the number of cases of seasonal flu, including both H1N1 (2009) and flu B," said Professor John Watson, the agency's head of respiratory diseases. "We have also received reports of patients with serious illness requiring hospitalisation and outbreaks of flu in schools. "For most people, flu is not life-threatening. However, it can be far more dangerous for those in at-risk groups, such as the elderly, pregnant women and patients with heart problems, diabetes or lung, liver or renal diseases. Flu vaccination offers the best protection for those at high risk from seasonal influenza. If you are in an at-risk group and you haven't had your jab, we recommend you make an appointment with your GP or medical practitioner now." Professor David Salisbury, director of immunisation at the Department of Health, said: "These figures demonstrate that the effects of flu are not to be underestimated. It is not the same as getting a cold and can seriously affect your health. The seasonal flu jab protects against the dominant strains, including the type known as swine flu."