UKHSA urges vaccinations, handwashing, and self-care to prevent
winter illnesses and protect health.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is reminding everyone of
the simple steps they can take to protect their health as they
gear up for end of year festivities.
Get vaccinated
Winter illnesses, including flu, COVID-19 and respiratory
syncytial virus (RSV), are circulating widely, with emergency
department attendances on the rise. We strongly encourage
everyone eligible, especially the elderly, pregnant women, and
those with pre-existing health conditions, to come forward for
their vaccinations for these infections. Vaccination will help
reduce your risk of getting seriously ill this Christmas and New
Year.
School-aged children in reception through to year 11 are also
eligible for a free flu vaccine, delivered as a nasal spray in
schools or as an injection for those with medical or faith
exemptions. If your child missed getting a vaccine at school,
they can get it at a catch-up clinic. Two and 3-year-olds (on or
before 31 August 2024), as well as children aged 6 months to 2
years with certain health conditions, can also receive the flu
vaccine through their GP.
Keep washing your hands
Norovirus, which causes vomiting and diarrhoea, is circulating at
higher levels than average so far this year as we all start
spending more time indoors together with friends and
family.
Regularly washing your hands with soap and warm water for 20
seconds and using bleach-based products to clean surfaces are
effective ways to stop the spread of norovirus and other
infections. Avoid preparing food for others if you have diarrhoea
and or vomiting.
Give it a miss
If you do have respiratory symptoms such as a cough or sore
throat, along with a fever, consider giving social gatherings a
miss as it's best to avoid close contact with other people,
especially those who are vulnerable, such as the elderly or those
with weakened immune systems. If you do go out in crowded places,
consider wearing a facemask to reduce your risk of infecting
others.
If you've had diarrhoea and vomiting, avoid school or work for 48
hours after symptoms stop and do not visit loved ones in care
homes or hospitals to reduce the chances of causing outbreaks in
these settings.
Practice self-care and use antibiotics
responsibly
Getting plenty of rest, drinking lots of water, and taking
over-the-counter medications are often effective ways to deal
with common minor illnesses like colds, sore throats or coughs.
Antibiotics do not work against viruses, which are the usual
cause of these conditions. Taking antibiotics when you don't need
them can contribute to antibiotic resistance, making it harder to
treat bacterial infections in the future, so always listen to
your doctor, nurse or pharmacist's advice.
Protect yourself against cold weather this winter. Maintain
indoor temperatures of at least 18°C, particularly if you are
older or live with elderly people, young children, or those with
long-term health conditions. If you're spending time outdoors,
ensure you wear plenty of warm clothing.
Dr Richard Pebody, Director, Clinical & Emerging Infections
at UKHSA, said:
No one wants their festive plans derailed by a bout of norovirus
or flu. Take simple steps to reduce your risk of infections and
their consequences this winter – including taking up all the
vaccines you may be eligible for including flu, COVID and RSV.
You can also help reduce the risk of passing infections on to
others through frequent handwashing and catching coughs and
sneezes in a tissue. If you have diarrhoea and vomiting, do try
and avoid passing it on by staying away from work or school for
48 hours after symptoms have stopped and avoid visiting
vulnerable loved ones, especially if they are in a care home or
hospital.
