AS colder weather returns Cotswold residents at risk of flu are being urged by South Warwickshire health leaders to protect themselves as early as possible with a free flu jab.

NHS South Warwickshire Clinical Commissioning Group has urged the one in three people entitled to a free flu vaccination to take up the opportunity instead of becoming one of the thousands of people who each year runs the lottery of catching the potentially deadly illness.

Most cases of flu in the UK occur during an eight to 10 week period during the autumn and winter months and last year there were 529,613 deaths registered in England and Wales - an increase of 28,189 compared with 2014.

Flu immunisation is one of the most effective ways to prevent flu and so reduce the potential harm it can cause. The most likely viruses that will cause flu each year are identified in advance of the flu season in the UK and vaccines are then made to provide protection against these strains as closely as possible.

Those at greater risk from flu include people aged 65 or over, pregnant women, the very young and people with health conditions such as severe asthma, chest or heart complaints and diabetes.

Dr David Spraggett, GP and chairman of NHS South Warwickshire CCG, said: “The flu vaccination reduces risk of serious illness, hospitalisation and even death among those who are most at risk.

"I would urge everyone who is eligible to have the flu vaccination as early as possible before flu starts circulating in the community.

"The best time to have the vaccine is always in the autumn, so it’s important that everyone is protected now."

For more information visit nhs.uk, and search for flu vaccine.