The NHS trust which runs Ealing Hospital is urging people to get their flu vaccination as local hospitals begin seeing their first flu patients of the season.
London North West University Healthcare NHS Trust (LNWH), which also runs Northwick Park and Central Middlesex hospitals, is encouraging people to have their flu vaccination as soon as possible.
The trust is also starting its staff vaccination programme this week, with a campaign called ‘You Can’t Hide from Flu’ aimed at protecting healthcare workers as well as their families and patients.
John Baker, chief medical officer at LNWH, said: “It’s easy to get a bit blasé about flu because it occurs every year but, if you have been unlucky enough to catch it in the past, you’ll know just how unpleasant it is.
“It’s highly infectious and if you travel or work in close proximity to a lot of people you are at much higher risk of catching it.
“The vaccine is perfectly safe, doesn’t contain any animal products and, contrary to popular belief, doesn’t hurt.
“The worst you can expect is a bit of a sore arm for a day or two which will then give you protection during the winter flu season.”
