PEOPLE who suffer with heart or kidney problems are being advised to make sure they protect themselves by getting the flu vaccine this winter.

Dr Robert Lewis, consultant kidney specialist and Director of the Wessex Kidney Centre said: “The risk of serious illness from flu is higher among people with heart or kidney diseases.

“This is because they often have other underlying health problems, such as diabetes, or may need to take medicines which affect the normal functioning of the immune system.

“A flu infection in people living with these conditions is more likely to be serious. In the worst cases, it can result in admission to hospital and can even be fatal.

“Patients should minimise their risk of serious complications by having the flu vaccination which is free and easily obtainable from their GP or pharmacy. This needs to be done as soon as possible so that they can enjoy a happy, healthy Christmas and New Year.”

He added that flu is highly infectious and caused by viruses that spread from person to person. The viruses are constantly changing and this is one of the main reasons why people should be vaccinated annually. The symptoms, which can come on very quickly, included fever, chills, headaches, aches and pains in the joints and muscles and extreme tiredness.

The symptoms of flu, which can come on very quickly, included fever, chills, headaches, aches and pains in the joints and muscles and extreme tiredness.

An NHS spokesman said: “Many people think having the flu is like having a bad cold, but in reality, flu is a nasty respiratory virus that can make people feel very unwell, and for anyone with chronic kidney disease, 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.

“Other groups at risk of complications from flu and urged to get the vaccine include the over 65s, pregnant women and people with long-term conditions such as asthma, diabetes, respiratory problems and liver disease.

“People can book GP appointments through the GP Online Service provided by NHS England. You can find out more about this service by visiting www.nhs.uk.”