THE three year cycle associated with flu epidemics has aroused fears that this winter may bring a serious outbreak in the Forest and Wye Valley.
But pensioners and those at risk from flu can take precautions to limit the risk by having a jab.
Thousands of anti-flu vaccinations are due to arrive at local surgeries within the next couple of weeks and pensioners and those who need to take extra precautions are being encouraged to contact their surgeries to arrange a jab.
Dr Donald Shaw, of Forest Health Care, said vaccination reduced the risk of catching flu and contracting secondary infections.
"The risks increase as you get older and others such as those with heart and lung problems also need to arrange for a vaccine," he said.
Dr Shaw said flu levels had been at a low level for the past two years.
"Flu epidemics run in three year cycles so there is some concern that there may be a serious outbreak this winter," he said.
The problem was identifying the strain. Often it was that which appeared in the Far East earlier in the year.
Dr Shaw said it was a myth that the inoculation actually caused flu.
He urged local people to arrange for the vaccination as soon as possible at flu clinics.
"It takes 10 days for the vaccine to provide the immunity you need, so the sooner it is done the better," he said.