All your burning health questions answered by the professionals. This week, we're hearing about winter flus and viruses.
”I’m worried about bugs and viruses this winter. My elderly parents are in a nursing home and I don’t want to bring in germs that could potentially harm them or others in the home. Any tips, please. I really do want to continue visiting them but am terrified of bringing in bugs.”Visiting any person over the winter months may be worrying, especially if the person you are visiting is susceptible .
Winter months see an increase in viruses such as flu, COVID-19, RSV and the common cold. A key measure to protect others is to ensure you are vaccinated against the flu and COVID-19 in order to prevent transmission of viruses, should you become sick yourself. Whilst the COVID vaccine does not prevent you from getting a COVID infection, it does reduce the effects of the illness, thereby limiting the risk of onward infection.
As respiratory infections spread primarily through the air as small droplets from an infected person’s nose or mouth, you need to trap these viruses to prevent spread. Good respiratory etiquette is important, including the use of tissues when you cough or sneeze or using your elbow to contain the viruses as best you can if no tissue is available. Also, if you have coughed or sneezed on an item such as a bedside table, clean it down to remove any viruses that might remain on the surface.
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