Havering residents in the at “risk groups” are being urged to prepare for the winter by getting the flu jab.

NHS North East London has launched its annual flu jab campaign.

Havering GP, Dr Atul Aggarwal said: “Flu can increase the risk of developing more serious illnesses suhc as bronchitis and pneumonia, and can make existing conditions much worse.

“Flu can knock you off your feet and make it hard to look after the kids or go to work. In most serious cases, seasonal flu might land you in hospital-it can even be a killer.”

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

The vaccine, which is available from your GP changes every year to fight the latest strains of flu.

Dr Aggarwal said: “Flu is not just a cold- it can be a really serious illness for some people and it doesn’t just affect older people.

“If you’re pregnant, have lowered immunity or a long term health condition such as severe asthma, a chest or heart complaint, or diabetes then you should also get a free flu jab from your GP and get flu safe.”

For more information visit www.nhs.uk/flu