MEDICS are urging people to prepare for winter by getting vaccinated against an illness which can kill vulnerable victims.

Every year hundreds of thousands of people visit their doctor and tens of thousands end up in hospital with flu.

According to Public Health England, 904 people were admitted to intensive care and 11 per cent of those died as a result of the virus.

Dr Andy Carson, West Midlands Ambulance Service’s medical director, said: “Whilst many people think they’re suffering from the flu, more often than not it’s just a bad cold. For most healthy people, there’s no question that flu is unpleasant but with good self-care, you can start to feel better after about a week.

“Flu is often underestimated and for older people, the very young, pregnant women and those with a chronic respiratory or cardiovascular health condition it can sometimes be very serious. People with underlying health conditions in particular are 11 times more likely to end up in hospital if they catch the flu.

“I would urge anyone at risk of flu to speak with their GP about protecting themselves and their families this season.”

Flu symptoms include a high temperature and a cough plus aches and pains, sneezing, loss of appetite, a sore throat and upset stomach.