VULNERABLE people across Cumbria are at serious risk of flu viruses, including swine flu, according to health chiefs.

As flu ravages the nation, the county is also seeing large numbers of cases, and the elderly, young and those with health problems are at risk according to Nigel Calvert, NHS Cumbria’s associate director of public health.

Latest figures reveal that 25 people are in critical care beds in hospitals across Cumbria and Lancashire due to flu-like illnesses and there were 74 people in critical care beds due to flu across the North West.

The Health Protection Agency said 14 people had died with swine flu and another three from flu type B within the last six weeks nationally.

All were aged under 65, with six aged under 18, and the majority had underlying health problems.

While there have been no deaths due to flu in Cumbria, there are fe-ars it could yet hit hard.

“Every year from Sep-tember through to March we see people suffering from flu,” said Dr Calvert.

“This is totally normal and this is why there is a seasonal flu vaccine to protect vulnerable people from the complications which flu can cause.

“People aged 65 and over, pregnant women and people with existing medical conditions all qualify for the sea-sonal flu vaccine.

“All these people should have the vaccine, and if they haven’t already, they should contact their GP surgery to arrange to have one.

“Complications of flu can include pneumonia and bronchitis, which if you’re already ill can be dangerous and sadly sometimes fatal. This is why the vaccine has been designed.

“If you’re in an at-risk group and you catch flu, because you haven’t had the vaccine, then you should contact your GP for advice, especially if your symptoms worsen. This can be done over the phone.

“However if you’re normally fit and healthy, don’t fit into the at-risk categories, and catch flu, you should stay at home, rest, have plenty of fluids, take over the counter remedies and your symptoms should clear up in a week.

“It’s also important you stay away from hospitals and GP surgeries, as you could pass on the virus to a more vulnerable person, which could make them at risk of being very ill.”

He said anyone concerned about symptoms should contact health services by phone, via NHS direct on 0845 46 47 or by calling your GP.

He added: “Remember, catch it, bin it, kill it. The best way to protect healthy people from catching the flu, is by practising good hand and respiratory hygiene.

"Using tissues and washing your hands before and after handling food, after blowing your nose or sneezing and after using the toilet.”