As hospitals and GP surgeries are bracing themselves for a severe flu outbreak, marathon world record holder Paula Radcliffe has backed a campaign urging at-risk groups to get the jab.
The 43-year-old Briton, who was diagnosed with exercise-induced asthma at 14, revealed that she was once hospitalised suffering pneumonia after getting the flu.
Older people and those with certain health conditions have raised chances of complications from flu including hospitalisation and even death.
Paula is calling on those eligible to get the vaccination for free on the NHS to not be complacent reminding us that even a world-class athletes like herself can succumb to the risks.
Her warning comes as figures show more than half of those in the under 65 at-risk groups did in 2016/2017.
The message is particularly important now as a severe strain of flu that has caused huge problems in Australia and is thought to be heading our way – and the NHS is bracing itself for a surge in patients – particularly, the elderly.
Paula Radcliffe is backing a campaign to remind people of the importance of getting the flu vaccination
Paula said: ‘When you feel fit and healthy it is easy to think that you don’t need to worry about having a flu vaccination.
‘But even someone as fit as myself can suffer with the flu because I have asthma as my stint in hospital with pneumonia on a nebuliser in 1993 shows.
‘You think that if you are unlucky enough to contract flu, your body will be able to fight it off.
‘However, even though I’m an athlete, and have my asthma under control, I know the consequences of flu could be serious.’
‘Take the risks seriously’
Paula, who has held the marathon world record for 15 years, said a number of times she’s had the flu it has developed into bronchitis.
‘I’ve been told is because of my asthma,’ she explained.
‘In 1993, I actually missed the trials for the World Cross Country Championships because I was so ill, despite the fact I’d been eating healthily in an effort to boost my immunity.
The 43-year-old, who had pneumonia after having the flu said: ‘I know the consequences of flu could be serious’
Mother-of-two Paula never fails to get her flu vaccination to keep herself healthy
‘That taught me about the importance of being vaccinated against flu, so I’m teaming up with [pharmaceutical company] Sanofi Pasteur to help encourage people like me in at-risk groups to take the risks of flu seriously and get vaccinated this winter.’
The sports commentator and mother-of-two revealed her asthma triggers are pollen, dust, pollution and extreme temperature changes.
She said: ‘I normally have two puffs of my reliever but sometimes I increased this dose, especially if it is hay fever season or there is more air pollution.
‘And I know I have to take it easy and ease off training if I have a cold.’
Reducing the spread
People with long-term conditions such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and autoimmune conditions are more at risk of getting serious complications from flu.
Past studies have shown up to nearly 60 per cent of healthcare workers experience flu infections without classic symptoms.
GP Radha Modgil said: ‘Vaccination is important for front-line healthcare professionals to help reduce the risk of transmission of the virus to others, including family, friends, colleagues and patients.’
Dr Ian Gray, Medical Head, Sanofi Pasteur UK & Ireland said: ‘For several years the medical community has been concerned about the consistently low number of eligible people in at-risk groups taking up the NHS flu vaccination.’