HEALTH experts are warning that older and vulnerable people should not underestimate the risk of flu this winter, after several years without an epidemic.

Dr Sue Bennett, director of the Dorset Health Protection Unit, said: "After a number of winters with low levels of flu, it is easy to be complacent about threat from this illness.

"Young, healthy people do not need to be vaccinated against flu, but older residents and those living in residential or nursing homes may have difficulty in fighting off complications of flu such as bronchitis or pneumonia."

She added: "I would strongly advise people of 65 and over and those in high- risk groups to make an appointment with their family doctor and receive a flu jab. For some it could be the difference between enjoying a healthy and happy Christmas or a lengthy stay in hospital."

Those recommended to have the jab include anyone with chronic heart, respiratory or kidney disease; diabetics; and those whose immune system is weaker through disease such as HIV, or from radiotherapy or chemotherapy.

Each winter between 10 and 15 per cent of the population develops flu and growing numbers of elderly and frail people end up being admitted to hospital. Between 3,000 and 4,000 people still die each year as a result of complications associated with flu.

Family doctors, hospitals and pharmacies throughout Dorset and the New Forest are supporting this year's Department of Health campaign to remind people about the flu jab, which gives 12 months' protection against the latest strains of the disease.

For more flu information see: www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk

Fact file

One sneeze, carrying up to 100,000 flu particles, can travel as far as 30ft.

The flu vaccine is not live and cannot give you flu.

The worst global epidemic was in 1918-19, when at least 40 million people are believed to have died.

In 12 hours, the flu virus can invade a million of your nose and throat cells.

Doctors advise that for young, healthy people, flu is unpleasant but self-limiting, with the main symptoms lasting about a week.

Flu comes on quickly and causes fevers, chills, extreme fatigue and aching muscles as well as cold-like symptoms such as a sore throat and runny nose. Anyone developing it should stay at home, rest and drink plenty of fluids.

First published: Oct 21