Infection

Press Release 17th November 2013

Influenza - The whispering death of healthy children, the elderly and the unvaccinated.

It is estimated that there are about 12,000 deaths attributed to flu in the UK, mostly in the elderly. The majority of deaths occur in high-risk groups such as those with cardiac, respiratory or neurological disease. Contrary to popular belief, influenza (‘flu’) is not just a cold. Sufferers can experience body ache, muscle pain, headache and fever and are often severely debilitated. Although most people get better without hospitalization or antivirals, a significant minority end up in intensive care or die.

However, what is worrying is that it can kill children. More than 100 children died in the 2012-2103 flu season in the USA according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 90% of these deaths occurred in those who are unvaccinated. Alarmingly, 40%, of these children were previously fit and well. Although there is a simple vaccine, it is not offered to all children in the UK and in those it is offered to, the uptake is variable at best.

The Department of Health in the UK (through GPs) are only vaccinating ‘high risk’ group children and healthy 2-3 year olds this year. This leaves most children vulnerable and also making them ‘superspreaders’ of flu. They are so called because they can rapidly spread flu to other children and the general population following prolonged, close contact within large groups in schools and nurseries.

Travel Klinix, a new travel and vaccination clinic in Coventry is offering a safe, effective, ‘no needle’ nasal vaccine to all children older than 2 and less than 18 years of age. They are also offering the conventional flu vaccine to all adults regardless of their of their age. Appointments can be made at short notice and even at weekends.

The clinic is unique in that it is the first fully independent travel and vaccination clinic in Coventry and Warwickshire. Dr Ravi Gowda, Medical Director, is a specialist in Infectious Diseases and so patients can feel reassured that they are attending the only clinic in the county led by a specialist consultant.

If you or your family would like to be vaccinated, they can be contacted on 02476 01659, appointments@travelklinix.com, www.travelklinix.com

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