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06 October 2011 10:19
People flying out on holidays risk their lives by not getting vaccinated against seasonal flu, the Chief Medical Officer warned
Holidaymakers are risking their lives each year by not getting anti-seasonal flu jabs, the UK's Chief Medical Officer has warned.
The risks of catching flu and other conditions is a strong reason to organise comprehensive medical travel insurance.
New figures show 87% of people quizzed in a survey would get vaccinated against tropical diseases before trips abroad, but only half of under 65s who were advised to get the seasonal flu jab did so in 2010.
However, seasonal flu can endanger life - there were 602 deaths with flu in the UK last year, with 70% of those among 15-64 year olds. And those travelling routinely accept jabs against yellow fever, typhoid and hepatitis A before flying off on holidays to Thailand or Africa.
A potentially life-saving flu jab would take five minutes, Chief Medical Officer Professor Dame Sally Davies said.
She added: "Flu can be a serious illness - particularly for those in at risk groups. It can result in a spell in hospital, and sadly, flu can kill. The best way to protect yourself is to be vaccinated."
24 September 2016
Slim people who look physically healthy may still be at increased chance of being diagnosed with bowel cancer if they have raised insulin levels, according new research.
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23 September 2016
Theresa May is being urged to give the go-ahead for flights to resume between the UK and Sharm el-Sheikh by the head of the cross-party parliamentary group on Egypt.
22 September 2016
Budget airline Jet2.com is to open its first base in the south of England at Stansted.
21 September 2016
Smoking rates have dropped to the lowest level on record in England, new figures show, suggesting messages about the health effects of cigarettes are hitting home.
20 September 2016
Concerns have been raised over flight disruptions caused by heavy drinking among passengers.
17 September 2016
British Airways' decision to launch direct flights from London to Tehran earlier this month positions Iran as one of the hottest destinations to visit in 2017, according to experts.
16 September 2016
More than 100 flights have been cancelled as French air traffic controllers go on strike again.
15 September 2016
Two thirds of MPs would support an expansion at Heathrow.
14 September 2016
TripAdvisor is launching a new homepage, making the booking of holiday activities and tours even easier.
13 September 2016
Travellers are to be charged to use fast lanes to get through passport checks in an attempt to cut queues.
09 September 2016
People travelling to regions affected by the Zika virus outbreak should practise safe sex for at least half a year upon their return, health leaders say.
08 September 2016
British Airways is apologising to passengers for delays after an IT glitch hit check-in systems.