People living in the Black Country who have a heart condition such as coronary heart disease (CHD) are encouraged to come forward for a flu vaccine.
CHD is the term that describes what happens when the heart's blood supply is blocked or interrupted by a build-up of fatty substances in the coronary arteries. The reduced blood flow to the heart can cause chest pain (angina), and a complete blockage of blood flow can cause a heart attack.
Having a heart condition such as CHD is a known risk factor for flu. It can cause stress to your body which can affect your blood pressure, heart rate and heart function, which means that if you catch the virus, you are likely to be more ill than somebody who has no health condition.
There are more than 45,000 people in the Black Country living with CHD and health leaders would like to see as many as possible come forward to get protected against flu.
Professor Derek Connolly, Consultant Cardiologist at Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust, said: “Many people think having the flu is like having a bad cold, but in reality, it’s a nasty respiratory virus that can make people feel very unwell.
“For anyone with a chronic heart condition, it makes fighting off infections much harder and can lead to problems with other organs in the body. Some of these complications can be life threatening.
“Having the flu vaccination each year means you’re more likely to avoid getting the flu over the winter months. Even if you do get flu, it’s likely to be milder and shorter-lived than it would otherwise have been.”
The flu vaccination is available every year, free on the NHS, to help protect people at risk of flu and its complications.
To date, more than 54% of all those in the Black Country with an eligible long-term health condition had received their free flu vaccination, meaning there are thousands more who can still come forward.
Sally Roberts, Chief Nursing Officer for the NHS Black Country Integrated Care Board, said: “Flu is highly infectious and caused by viruses that spread from person to person. If you’ve ever had flu, you’ll know it can make you feel weak and unwell, and put you in bed for days. However, if you’ve got a heart condition, you’re more at risk of getting seriously ill compared to someone who doesn’t.
“The flu vaccine is the best defence against what can be a severe illness, especially for those living with long-term health conditions. So, if you’re eligible, please take the time to come forward for your free flu jab today. It’s not too late to get protected.”
You can get your flu vaccine from your local GP practice, community pharmacy or at one of our local pop-up clinics. Find out more here.
For more information on the flu vaccine for people with long-term conditions, visit the NHS website here.
