IF YOU ask people about the flu jab, they will often say it is only for the over 65s, pregnant women and those with an underlying health issue, such as diabetes or lung disease.

However they couldn’t be more wrong. Someone with the flu can easily pass it on to others within just six feet of them.

That is why the UK’s oldest boxing champion, Jack Bishop has teamed up with Careway, a partnership programme that supports independent pharmacies, to urge everyone to get their jab in this year, and stay fighting fit for winter.

Local Southampton hero and gym owner Jack – or "Mr Boxing" – wants to get across the message that anyone can be affected by flu, it’s a virus which isn’t picky about its prey and it leaves most who get it bed-ridden and very ill.

Jack still gets his training in three times a week at a ripe old age of 92 and claims his good health is down to regular exercise, a balanced diet and having the flu jab every winter.

Jack says: “I have had the flu once in my life and I don’t want it again. I caught it after one of my big boxing matches; I won, but was so run down afterwards I ended up on my back for three weeks and I felt dreadful. It’s the only time I have ever been that ill and ever since I have made sure to get the flu jab. I’ve been having the flu jab every winter for more than 40 years now and haven’t had the flu during this time.

“I have boxed nearly all my life and I can’t imagine not being able to go to my gym and train the up and coming boxing stars. I definitely put my good health in recent years down to having the flu jab every year. Staying flu free ensures that I stay active and keep healthy.”

The flu virus is highly contagious and unlike the common cold, can knock you off your feet for up to two weeks, or in some cases, even longer. Each time a person sneezes they spread millions of flu viruses around and only 30-50 of these are needed to make a person poorly.

Taking part in Careway’s flu campaign is Baldev Laly, Pharmacist from Laly’s Chemist, Southsea. He commented: “We’re urging everyone to get the flu jab this autumn, whether you’re classed as at risk and eligible for an NHS funded vaccination, or considered in good health.

“When it comes to catching the flu, it’s not just ourselves that we should consider. People who catch the flu are contagious for up to 40 hours before showing symptoms; therefore have the potential to pass virus on, without knowing, to those more vulnerable, which could result in serious health implications.

“We recommend that anyone over the age of 16 visits our community pharmacy for a flu jab and for winter health advice from our team of trained experts.”

Jack, who has fought 173 professional fights throughout his career, was recently awarded a BEM (British Empire Medal) at Buckingham Palace for his services to British boxing.

He added: “Put it this way – I never thought I’d be meeting the Queen at the age of 91. I’ll be squaring up to the flu again this winter so my advice to you? Keep fighting fit and go and get your jab in.”

To have your flu vaccination, find participating Careway pharmacies in Southampton at careway.co.uk.

CASE STUDY

Andrew Lee, 34, global recruitment consultant in Southampton

“A few years ago, my sister, my parents and I were going on a family Christmas holiday to Florida to spend the festive season together in the sun. While I was on the plane, I started to feel quite ill with a sore throat, but just put it down to the air conditioning unit on the plane. When we landed, I was feeling a lot worse and had developed muscular aches and pains and a fever, but consulted a health professional who told me it was the flu and that I should rest up. I felt absolutely dreadful and Christmas came and went in a blur. I developed a bad cough, headaches and couldn’t regulate my temperature at all. My symptoms seemed to be getting worse rather than better.

“Eventually, I went to see a doctor who told me that my flu had actually developed into pneumonia. I spent the rest of our time abroad indoors on antibiotics instead of enjoying the holiday – and all because I hadn’t thought to have a flu jab. Needless to say the flu definitely ruined my Christmas that year. I have had the flu vaccine every year since, and this year will be no exception.

“Just because I am not necessarily classed as being ‘at risk’, I certainly don’t want to go through that again and I think I speak for everyone when I say – once you’ve had the flu, you never want it again, so I’d advise everyone to go and get their flu jab this winter.

“That will certainly be a holiday to remember for all the wrong reasons – not only did I catch the flu and pneumonia, but it even snowed in Florida on Christmas Day!”

FACT FILE

Each time a person sneezes they spread millions of flu viruses around. Only 30-50 of these are needed to make a person poorly.

You are contagious for up to 40 hours before starting to show symptoms of the flu.

The flu is very unpleasant, but symptoms can be managed.

People with flu can spread it to others only 6 feet away from them.

The Department of Health says around 4,700 people die every year in England, after getting flu.

The flu vaccine itself cannot give you the flu as the vaccine does not contain any live strains of the virus.