South Cheshire and Vale Royal CCGs are reminding vulnerable residents to get the flu vaccination before winter.

If you are healthy it will usually clear up on its own within a week but for some people it can be more dangerous.

The Flu is a highly infectious disease and can lead to serious complications if you have an underlying health condition such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, bronchitis, emphysema, diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, liver disease or a chronic neurological disease like multiple sclerosis or cerebral palsy.

Flu on top of health conditions like these increases your chance of serious health complications and a hospital visit.

The flu vaccination continues to be available to adults aged 65 years old and over, who are more vulnerable and may suffer more than most people if they catch flu.

This year a more effective vaccine is being given to those aged 65 and over, which is proven to give better protection against flu for people of this age.

Pregnant women are also at risk.

If you have flu while you're pregnant, it could mean your baby is born prematurely or has a low birth weight and may even lead to stillbirth or death.

You may be less able to fight off infections, increasing the risk of becoming ill from flu.

The flu jab is the safest way to help protect you and your baby against flu.