HEALTH chiefs have issued an urgent warning for people to have their flu jab, after it was revealed a Bolton patient has died from swine flu.

It was confirmed yesterday that one person in the town has died from the condition so far this winter.

This follows two deaths in Oldham and an outbreak in Merseyside.

There are a number of patients in intensive care across the North West, but it is not known if any of them are from Bolton.

Swine flu is among the flu strains circulating at the moment, which all have the potential to kill.

Those most vulnerable to flu and its complications, the over 65s, under 65s with long term conditions and pregnant women, are being urged to get vaccinated.

A spokesman for NHS Bolton, the local primary care trust, said: “We can confirm a patient from Bolton has died after suffering complications from swine flu.

“While deaths from swine flu are rare, it is one of the main strains of flu around this winter, and, unfortunately, that means some deaths will occur.

“We are urging anyone who is in the ‘at risk’ groups to get their vaccine as soon as possible to give them extra protection.”

Thousands of people in Bolton are putting their lives at risk by failing to get immunised. Uptake of the vaccine is lower than normal for this time of year and health chiefs have appealed for people to act.

Health services have been extremely busy over the last few days due to flu.

Graham Munslow, health protection specialist, said: “There have been reports locally of people who have swine flu, as well as an increase in the amount of people who have the normal strain.

“It’s crucial that people who are entitled to a seasonal flu jab get theirs as quickly as possible. We’ve heard that some people are worried about the swine flu element, but I can assure people that it is perfectly safe.”

Doctors will invite those eligible in for their jab or people can contact their surgery.

People are being urged to use the right services if they fall ill.

Anyone who has flu symptoms is advised to stay at home, and contact their GP for advice.

There was a swine flu pandemic last year, which was not as bad as feared, and the condition is now classed as a seasonal flu.