The evenings are drawing in, temperatures are dropping and the shops are already displaying Christmas decorations - a sure sign that winter is around the corner.

The change in the weather has brought the usual winter colds and viruses for some, but there is a winter illness that can be more serious and debilitating - influenza.

Not to be confused with a heavy cold, the symptoms of flu can be very nasty indeed and will often include a shivery feeling, lack of energy, aching in the back and limbs, high fever, sore throat and cough.

It is important to try and protect vulnerable people from flu which is why free vaccinations are available to everyone over 65 and to younger people who fall into certain at-risk groups.

In those groups, the potential for secondary bacterial chest infections, including pneumonia, can be very serious and indicates why we specifically target the under 65s with heart and respiratory conditions.

It is also important to remember that smoking adds to the damage to the lungs and that efforts to quit will be rewarded with improved health, no matter how long you have been a smoker.

The annual seasonal flu vaccination programme is part of the Welsh Assembly Government's Keep Well This Winter campaign, which provides advice and support to people aged 65 and over to help them stay fit and healthy during the winter months.

I am very pleased that influenza immunisation rose to its highest ever level last winter.

The Welsh Assembly Government set a target of 70% immunisation coverage for this group of people. Actual coverage was 68% in 2005-6.

However, the uptake in those people in at-risk groups and aged under 65 such as those with asthma, diabetes or heart disease is only 28%.

This was nevertheless a 3% increase on the previous year, but we're still trying to encourage more people in this group to book in for a flu jab with their local GP.

If you or someone you know is under 65 and has one of the following conditions, you should contact your GP about the flu vaccination:

Chronic chest conditions such as asthma;

Chronic heart condition;


Chronic kidney disease;

Lowered immunity due to disease or treatment such as steroids or cancer therapy;

Any other serious medical condition - check with your doctor if you are unsure;

Children who have previously been admitted to hospital with chest infection;

Anyone living in a residential or nursing home because flu can be spread rapidly;

Those who are the main carers for elderly or disabled persons whose welfare may be at risk if the carer falls ill, such as nurses or social workers.

There have been recent questions around the efficacy of influenza vaccines.

It has long been recognised that anti-flu vaccines are roughly 75% effective.

The virus changes year on year and efforts are geared to finding the nearest virus to that which will cause disease in any year.

If you have been vaccinated and still get flu, it still tends to enhance your body's ability to respond and the effects are generally less serious.

If you do contract flu, and you are usually fit and healthy, you can treat the symptoms at home using remedies commonly available from pharmacies.

Antibiotics are not prescribed for flu as they have no effect on viruses, although occasionally it may be necessary to control complications, especially serious chest infections or pneumonia.

You should stay at home and in bed for as long as the acute symptoms persist, which is usually for two or three days after the symptoms peak.

Drink plenty of fluids and treat the symptoms as necessary with a painkiller like paracetamol or aspirin. Aspirin should never be given to those under 16 years.

Warm drinks can be particularly soothing and you should avoid cigarette smoke which will irritate nose and throat.

Colds are very common in winter and can affect anyone. Everyone should eat a healthy and balanced diet including plenty of fruit and vegetables and get plenty of rest to ensure that your immune system is prepared to fight off colds and flu.