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Flu "time bomb" around the corner 30 September 2003 As winter approaches people need to take steps now to protect themselves against a potential flu "time bomb". Flu affects one in five adults in the UK and kills between 3,000 and 4,000 people every year*. It accounts for more than 150 million lost working days a year at a cost of nearly £7 billion** to British business. The World Health Organisation (WHO) believes a repeat of the 1918 influenza pandemic, that killed 20 million people in less than two years, could strike again***. The pandemic - a disease affecting people over a wide geographical area - was the result of a mutated strain of flu which could develop or reappear, at any time. Bupa Wellness which, since 1999 has protected nearly 100,000 people from flu, predicts that 2003 could be its busiest year to date as awareness of infectious disease remains at an all-time high following the outbreak of SARS. This year vaccinations will be available for £14 at centres across the UK. Dr Peter Mace, medical director, Bupa Wellness said: "People need to be aware that flu is similar in its symptoms to SARS and it's not just the elderly who are at risk. Flu can have a debilitating effect on all adults. Although many people recover from the symptoms in around a week, lack of energy and strength can keep them off work for longer." Dr Mace continued: "Big cities such as London, New York and Tokyo could become originators of a flu pandemic. Every day millions of people travel to and from work packed onto tubes and buses creating the perfect environment for the flu virus to spread. As we saw with the recent SARS outbreak, distance is no longer a barrier as these viruses spread around the globe." The jab protects against both the Influenza Type A and Type B strains which the WHO predicts are going to be the biggest threats this year. Type A flu mainly affects healthy adults as opposed to Type B, which affects children. Vaccinations are available to individuals at selected Bupa Wellness centres across London and in Birmingham, Bristol, Glasgow, Manchester, Nottingham, Southampton, Leeds and Reading. For further information please contact Bupa Wellness on 0845 300 8220 (lines are open between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday) or email fluvac@bupa.com. * Department of Health
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