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Looking after your health

Find out about the services available to check your health in Leicester.


Health checks

Free health checks are available for 40 to 74 year olds and will assess your risk of developing heart disease, type 2 diabetes, kidney disease and stroke.


Sexual health

Find out about the sexual health services available in Leicester including pregnancy advice, emergency contraception and free, confidential HIV tests and medication.

Flu and coronavirus

Flu season is upon us and, due to COVID-19, this year it’s more important than ever to get your flu jab to protect yourself, your family and those you care for. We want to keep those most vulnerable to COVID-19 well and protect them from getting the flu; this will also help to reduce the strain on our health and social care services in what is likely to be a very busy winter period.   

Flu is not just a cold - each year flu kills on average 11,000 people (nationally) and hospitalises thousands more. The flu virus spreads from person to person, even amongst those not showing symptoms and it’s very easy to pass the virus on without knowing. Even if you’re healthy, you can still get flu and spread it to the people you care for, and to your family, friends and colleagues.  The flu vaccine is the best protection for you and those around you. It’s available for free to those most at risk.

You can get the flu jab for free from your GP or local pharmacy if you are: 

  • Aged 65 years or older 
  • Living with a long-term health condition 
  • Living in a nursing or care home 
  • The main carer of an older or disabled person 
  • A household contact of someone who is on the NHS shielded Patient List 
  • A frontline health or social care workers 
  • Pregnant 
  • Children aged 2-11* years old  

*If your child is aged 2-3 years old you can get a free flu nasal spray from the GP. If your child is aged 4-11 years old, look out for your child’s consent form from school and return it, to make sure they are protected this winter.

For more information about the national flu campaign visit www.nhs.uk/flu.

Know your Numbers

High blood pressure

High blood pressure (or hypertension) is known as the silent killer as it has no symptoms and can lead to strokes, heart attacks, diabetes and dementia. It is preventable in the majority of cases, responding well to treatment including medications and lifestyle changes and it is therefore really important to get blood pressure checks regularly.

Why do I need my blood pressure checked?

High blood pressure is known as the silent killer as it has no symptoms which is why it’s important to be tested regularly.

  • Loads of us have high BP and don’t know – this can increase your risk of heart disease and strokes. The problem is many of us have it and just don’t know, so it’s really important to be tested regularly and get the appropriate treatment – this can include medication or lifestyle changes.
  • It’s also important to be tested regularly as lots of us know we have high blood pressure but either don’t take medication or don’t take it properly. Your GP can help you create a proper treatment plan.
  • Living a healthy lifestyle can reduce your risk of developing high blood pressure.
  • Take regular exercise, eat well, give up smoking and drink less alcohol – these all help to keep your blood pressure at the right numbers.

Want to find out more?

Visit the following website for further information on blood pressure: