Wirral Community NHS Foundation Trust chief executive Karen Howell writes for the Globe ...

FROM an early age we're immunised against a number of potentially life threatening diseases and viruses ... tuberculosis, measles, mumps, rubella and Tetanus to name a few.

We very rarely question it; we know it's the right thing to do to protect ourselves.

Let me add Influenza to that list.

Public Health England estimated that on average 8,000 people die from flu in England each year.

This figure has reached 14,000.

That's more than eight times the number of confirmed cases of death from Measles (91), Mumps (717) and Rubella (5) combined in 2015.

Shocked? I was!

The great thing is that we have an amazing vaccine to protect us from this horrendous virus - and what's more, many people can get it for free!

We take flu really seriously in the NHS.

Every year we see thousands of the people we care for struck down by this debilitating virus.

It can strike anyone, of any age, no matter how healthy or fit they are.

If you have ever had flu or seen a friend or relative suffering from it, you will know first-hand that it's not a heavy cold!

Full-blown Influenza can strike people down for days and even weeks, leave them completely bed-ridden, when even the thought of moving is impossible and just breathing is painful.

It's horrendous.

That's why here at Wirral Community NHS Foundation Trust we do all we can to help stop it spreading.

We encourage all of our health and social care staff to have the free influenza flu vaccination we offer, to protect themselves, their families and you, the people we care for.

Some people can carry the virus without any symptoms, and we don't want them inadvertently passing it on.

The best way to protect yourself and your family is to get vaccinated.

Flu can be more serious for some people, particularly if you are aged 65 or over, pregnant, have an underlying health condition (such as long-term heart or respiratory disease) or a weakened immune system.

If you're in any of these risk groups, it's recommended you have a flu vaccine every year to help protect you.

If you're not eligible for a free vaccine, you can still have one at many high street pharmacies for a small cost.

Over the coming weeks our school nurses will also be giving a nasal spray vaccine to thousands of school children across Wirral.

All children from reception to year five are offered the vaccination.

By giving consent for your child to be vaccinated, you are making sure they don't inadvertently pass the virus on to anyone else in your family.

But the best way to protect yourself is to get vaccinated. There's lots more information about the flu vaccine on the NHS website or talk to your GP, practice nurse or pharmacist.

Finally, we are holding our annual members meeting on Wednesday October 17 at 5pm in the Education Suite, Victoria Central Health Centre.

Join us for a review of our performance in 2017-18 as well as a look ahead to priorities for the coming year.

To let us know you are coming or submit a question in advance please email: foryouwithyou@nhs.net