THE TOWN MP has encouraged residents to get their flu jabs. 

Dr Phillip Lee, MP for Bracknell, is a GP in his spare time when not performing ministerial duties. 

He got his flu jab this week, and has implored others to do the same, after a nasty recent outbreak of the illness in Australia.

Dr Lee said: “If you do get the flu, make sure you rest, drink plenty of fluids and eat healthily.  

"Also, taking over-the-counter painkillers, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen to reduce any fever or discomfort, can also help.

“However, please remember that Flu is caused by viruses and not bacteria. Therefore, antibiotics will not help to treat it.”

The flu jab is free for people who fall into the following criteria: 

  • Aged 65 or over by March 31 2018
  • Aged from 6 months to 65 with a serious medical condition 
  • Women who are pregnant
  • Children living two to nine on August 31 2016
  • Living in long-stay residential care homes or other long-stay care facilities
  • In receipt of a carer's allowance, or who are the main carer of an older or disabled person whose welfare may be at risk if the carer falls ill.

The main symptoms of flu are fever, chills, headache, extreme tiredness and aches and pains in the joints and muscles. 

People in good health will typically recover within a week, but for some the disease can be more serious.