Even though swine flu hasn’t been creating the same number of headlines as it was last year the disease is still active and is a real threat.

In the last two weeks more than 120 cases of illness have been reported at the Llandaff Cathedral School in Cardiff of which 3 have been confirmed as having the HINI- or swine flu- virus. To help prevent the outbreak from spreading further health officials in the area are advising parents to keep their children at home if they start to show flu symptoms. Doctors are providing vaccines to anyone particularly vulnerable, like pregnant women and the elderly 

Every year the make-up of the flu vaccine is changed, on advice from the World Health Organisation, to make sure it will protect against the types of flu going round.

This year it provides protection against three types of flu, including the H1N1 virus.

So how serious is the threat and what can you do to prevent catching flu?

Flu is much more serious than a cold, especially for those with chronic health problems and older people when it can develop into serious illnesses such as pneumonia and bronchitis.  Those at greater risk are being encouraged not to wait for a winter flu epidemic and contact their local GP practice as soon as possible to make an appointment for a vaccination.

As well as pregnant women, over-65s and those with long-term conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, asthma, multiple sclerosis, serious kidney and liver disease are being encouraged to go to their doctor to be vaccinated.

It is important for everyone in the at-risk groups to make sure they take up the offer of the jab and protect themselves against seasonal flu. By doing this you give yourself the best possible chance of staying well.

As well as being immunised, you can protect yourself by practising good hand hygiene with the “catch it, bin it, kill it” technique.

This means carrying tissues, covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue, disposing of the tissue after one use and finding a washroom as soon as possible to give hands a good wash with soap and water (remembering to dry them properly too) or using an alcohol hand sanitiser.

Other ways you can prepare for swine flu this winter:

• Learn to recognise the symptoms of swine flu so you can tell if it’s definitely flu rather than a very bad cold  
• Establish ‘flu friends’ - friends and relatives who can help if you fall ill
• Keeping paracetamol-based cold remedies in the house so if you fall ill and cannot face the trek to the pharmacy, you have some to hand
• Having a thermometer available so you can check your temperature if needed

Remember, if you have elderly or vulnerable neighbours, please pop by to check on them regularly thought the winter months. They may be feeling ill and need your help but be reluctant to ask for it.