PARENTS in Worcestershire with children aged between two and four are being reminded to get their flu jab.

Although children generally experience the same symptoms as adults when they have the flu – including fever, chills, aching muscles, headache, stuffy nose, dry cough and a sore throat – they also face the risk of developing complications.

Some young people with flu – especially those with long term conditions such as diabetes, asthma or heart disease – can be particularly at risk of developing bronchitis, pneumonia or a painful inner ear infection. In rare cases a child can die from the flu.

Public health consultant with NHS England for Worcestershire Dr Ash Banerjee said vaccinating children would not only protect them from the infection, but also stop it from spreading to family and other people they come into contact with.

“Children are good at spreading flu because they tend to sneeze everywhere and don't use tissues properly or wash their hands,” he said.

“Vaccinating them may also protect others that are vulnerable to flu such as babies, older people, pregnant women and people with serious long-term illnesses.”

The flu vaccine can be booked by speaking to a GP or school and is available free to children aged two to four, anyone aged 65 and over, pregnant women and those with serious medical conditions such as breathing problems, heart disease, diabetes, HIV or aids.

People living in care homes and carers are also eligible for a free vaccination.