Health officials have shared expert guidance on protecting yourself from flu, Covid-19 and norovirus as hospitals remain busy with winter illness cases this season
While the UK is seeing a stabilisation in flu cases after a period of sharp week-on-week increases, the NHS continues to report high numbers of hospitalisations due to winter viruses. According to the latest government data, hospital admissions for flu are now at a medium level, while Covid-19 hospitalisations are at a ‘baseline’ level.
The plateauing of severe illness and hospitalisation from viruses is partly credited to the efforts of NHS staff who have vaccinated half a million more people against the flu compared to the same period last year. Despite this, hospitals have reported remaining busy throughout the winter, with data from December 31 showing that around 95% of adult beds are occupied, with an average of 94,118 patients in hospital each day.
Data from the same period also revealed that, on average, 707 patients were in hospital with Covid, alongside 285 patients with norovirus in the week prior. While the spread of winter viruses is not as severe as it was in the lead-up to Christmas and New Year, there is still a risk of catching and spreading respiratory illnesses.
However, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has provided extensive guidance on how to prevent and control the spread of such illnesses.
Wearing face masks
While many might link face masks with the pandemic and deem them as irrelevant now, the UKHSA has highlighted that face coverings remain a potent method to limit the transmission of respiratory diseases, such as flu and Covid-19.
The agency advises people to use a ‘well-fitting mask’, which can aid in reducing the amount of virus-laden droplets expelled from the mouth and nose into the surrounding air, thus curbing infection spread. The guidance also underscores that face coverings can help protect individuals from direct exposure to respiratory pathogens.
Getting vaccinated
The flu jab functions by preparing your immune system to recognise and fight the influenza virus before it can establish itself. The vaccine introduces a small amount of deactivated flu virus into your body, which triggers your natural defences to react.
After getting the jab, it usually takes about 10 days for it to become fully effective and offer sufficient protection. It’s vital to comprehend that while the vaccine does contain an inactive flu virus, it cannot cause you to catch the flu.
You may qualify for the vaccine if you need extra protection or if someone in your household does. If you’re eligible for a free flu jab, there are several ways to get it.
For example, you can contact your GP directly to book a vaccination appointment, or if you’re 18 or over, you can schedule an appointment at a pharmacy either online or via the NHS app. Some pharmacies also offer the NHS vaccine free of charge and welcome walk-ins without the need for a previous appointment.
However, this service isn’t available at all pharmacies, but you can find your nearest pharmacy offering the free vaccine here. Further details about the flu vaccine, including its components, can be found on the NHS website here.
Staying at home if you’re unwell
If you’re experiencing any virus symptoms, such as a blocked nose, high temperature, nausea, or diarrhoea, it’s advisable to stay home wherever possible until you recover. In many instances, you’re less likely to be infectious approximately 24 hours after you start feeling better.
However, bear in mind that even if you feel better, your body may not have completely eliminated the virus and you could still pass it on to others.
Opening a window while indoors
The UKHSA emphasises that opening a window for fresh air while socialising indoors can help prevent the spread of contagious viruses. This is because ventilation helps to disperse stale air and any air containing virus particles.
However, the UKHSA has emphasised that before doing this, it’s important to ensure no one in the room is sensitive to the cold and to monitor the overall temperature of the room.
Maintain good hygiene
Maintaining basic proper hygiene can significantly prevent you from spreading viruses to others, particularly those transmitted through droplets, like when you sneeze or cough. The UKHSA recommends coughing into a bent elbow or using a tissue and disposing of it promptly before washing your hands.
When washing your hands, it’s advised to do so with warm water and soap wherever possible and to regularly clean your surroundings, paying extra attention to frequently touched surfaces such as door handles.
