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Flu cases in Guernsey 'creeping up'

The island's Director of Public Health says cases are climbing and urges people to take measures to slow down infection.

Cases of the new strain of the flu in England spiked early this year but experts are now divided as whether it should have been dubbed a 'superflu'.

Nevertheless, Guernsey's Director of Public Health, Dr Nicola Brink, says the flu strain has mutated:

"The H3N2 component, the virus has drifted quite significantly from last year.

"However, what's really important is that the vaccine is still effective in preventing severe disease and hospitalisation."

Public Health has bought adequate supplies of this year's vaccine and Dr Brink says they are ready:

"We've seen our numbers creeping up over the last week.

"But as ever, it's all about preparedness for us across health and social care services, so we're all working together."

Dr Brink says anyone who is entitled to a flu jab, because of their age, health or occupation is advised to get one. She also advises basic measures to slow the spread of infection:

"Catch your sneeze, throw it (the tissue) away and wash your hands afterwards, observe good hand hygiene and stay at home if you are unwell."

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