Protect yourself from flu

But one disease you'd really be better off without is Influenza, or 'flu'. The influenza virus is particularly rife in the winter, and is easily spread by coughing or sneezing.

Although most people recover from flu within a week, for some people the infection is more serious and leads to complications. These illnesses may require treatment in hospital and can be life-threatening especially in older people or people with heart or chest disease.

But if you are over 65 or have a long-term condition such as heart disease, asthma or diabetes, there is something you can do to protect yourself. The flu vaccine is available free from the NHS to those with long term conditions and all over 65s.

How does it work?

Your body starts making antibodies to the vaccine virus about a week to ten days after the injection, and they help protect you against any similar viruses you then come into contact with.

Because the flu virus is continually changing, and different types circulate each winter, you need to get a new flu jab every year to be protected.

How to get immunised

For more information, go to www.nhs.uk/flu