DOCTORS in the Cotswolds are urging at-risk residents to protect themselves from flu and take up the offer of the free vaccination from their GP surgery as soon as they can.

Dr Alan Gwynn, a GP in Cirencester, said: “It’s really important that people who are most vulnerable to health complications associated with flu protect themselves by visiting their GP surgery to get the vaccination.

"If you are 65 or over or you have an existing health problem, flu can be dangerous. It can also be serious for young children.

"This year the vaccination is being offered to children aged two to four, children in school years one and two, people 65 and over, and anyone who is living with a long-term condition.”

For most healthy people, flu is an unpleasant illness from which they recover within a week.

But some people are more susceptible to the effects of flu and are at increased risk of developing more serious illnesses such as bronchitis and pneumonia or make existing conditions worse, according to Gloucestershire clinical commissioning group.

In the worst cases seasonal flu can result in a stay in hospital or even death, states the health body, which is urging anyone with a chronic respiratory condition such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease or a weakened immune system or any pregnant women to particularly get the vaccination.

Dr Gwynn added: "Our message to at-risk groups is clear – take preventative action now and help avoid potentially serious illness later on.

"A nasal spray is available for pre-school age children and children in school years one and two. This offers a quick, easy and painless way to help prevent them catching flu whilst also helping to reduce it spreading to more vulnerable people.

"Even people whose health conditions are well managed and who lead otherwise healthy lives should still have the flu vaccine – it’s free because you need it.”

To arrange a vaccination contact a GP surgery or for more information visit nhsstaywell.org