UK health officials have advised people to start wearing face masks and isolate for 48 hours if you get cold symptoms as the NHS struggles to cope with a surge in numbers of potentially serious respiratory illnesses. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) today issued new suggestions as people prepare to meet family members – including some who might be vulnerable – this holiday period.
Officials said winter illnesses, including flu, COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), are circulating widely. Recent data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) indicates that COVID -19 cases are staying relatively high, with 1,081 confirmed instances for the week ending December 4. There have also been 122 deaths associated with Covid during the seven days preceding November 22.
Moreover, the latest statistics show a slight climbing trend in hospitalisations due to Covid, with 1,085 in the week up to November 30, marking a 1.5 percent increment from the previous week. Health authorities had linked a spike in Covid cases to the advent of the XEC variant. This strain, initially identified in Germany, is believed to be highly contagious owing to several mutations.
The new advice to people with the illness is to isolate for 48 hours. The UKHSA said: “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.“
The NHS advises people who are 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 a 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.
Norovirus is particularly virulent this year and a number of hospital wards have had to close after breakouts. The UKHSA said it was ‘circulating at higher levels than average so far this year’ and advised avoiding it by 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.pital.”
Officials said people should avoid taking antibiotics as they do not work with viruses, which are the usual cause of these conditions. It said: “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.”
The UKHSA said people should also maintain a decent temperature in the house: “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 hos
