Keeping yourself free from COVID-19, flu and other respiratory infections this winter.  WHEN, WHERE, HOW – a Practical Guide

Preventing spread of Respiratory Tract Infections such as COVID-19, influenza (flu), Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) and Cold viruses will be very important this winter to deal with threats posed by higher than usual levels of influenza, a possible further wave of COVID-19 and an increase in hospitalisations, with other infections such as winter vomiting norovirus and emergence of higher than usual levels of Group A Streptococcus.  Not only will this be important to protect the NHS (including protecting against ward closures due to norovirus outbreaks), it will reduce absenteeism from work, schools and day care, thereby protecting incomes, already under threat through the cost of living crisis.

During October 2022 saw another wave of COVID-19 infection, with daily rates rising to 2 million. Although rates have fallen again, it is likely we will have further waves during the winter season.  While deaths due to COVID-19 have declined since 2020, they are still higher than those due to Flu and Pneumonia.

This simple Practical Guide gives advice on the habits we need to adopt, as part of daily life routine, to reduce the risk of catching a respiratory infection or spreading it to someone else.  It works to build understanding of how these viruses spread and enable you to adapt your hygiene behaviour to suit your individual needs and lifestyle - and adapt to changes when they happen.