Cases across the UK are currently surging
Health experts have offered advice on how to avoid contracting and spreading Covid as case numbers continue to surge across the UK. Hospital admissions due to Covid have seen a 60 per cent increase in England alone within a single month, as reported by the latest UK Health Security Agency report.
The report covers the period from 18 August to 18 September, with data for the subsequent period expected in the coming weeks. Lawrence Young, a professor of molecular oncology at the University of Warwick, described this rise as “worrying”, given it’s “so early in the autumn period”.
The Covid-19 seasonal vaccination programme was only initiated days after the noted increase in hospital admissions. Concurrently, flu cases are also increasing, with influenza A – the most dangerous strain – already beginning to circulate.
The UKHSA has stated that the number of patients testing positive for some common cold viruses has risen by up to a third in one week in England recently. The latest strains of coronavirus present symptoms such as a “particularly painful” sore throat, continuous cough and shortness of breath – though these can often be mistaken for signs of a cold or flu, reports Chronicle Live.
Experts have now identified ways to help protect yourself and your family from the virus, with doctors emphasising the importance of these simple pieces of advice. Professor Peter Openshaw, a respiratory physician and immunologist at Imperial College London, has urged people to take up the Covid or flu vaccine if they are offered it.
Last year, uptake of the Covid vaccine was just 60 per cent, a figure Prof Openshaw described as “disappointingly low”. Flu vaccines are available to anyone aged 65 and over, under-65s in at-risk groups (such as those with asthma), care home residents, children and pregnant women.
Prof Openshaw recommends this especially for those who’ve had severe flu in the past or if you live with or regularly visit vulnerable individuals. To further protect yourself and others from all viruses, experts are urging Brits to wear face masks, particularly in crowded areas such as public transport.
A review of more than 400 studies published in Clinical Microbiology Reviews last year found that masks were effective at slowing the transmission of Covid, as well as coughs and flu.
Prof Openshaw added: “I wear a mask to avoid getting all types of airborne viruses, including colds and flu, especially if people around me are coughing and sneezing. Most people are relaxed with you wearing a mask and it does help you avoid illness if you wear it correctly.”
As with any illness that spreads through air or contact with surfaces, regular hand washing with hot water and soap can help protect you from Covid. Environmental factors, such as good ventilation, can also reduce infection rates.
Avoid catching Covid
The NHS advises: “It’s important to wash your hands with soap and water or use hand sanitiser regularly throughout the day. Try to avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth if your hands are not clean.”
If you or your child are at an increased risk of falling ill from Covid-19, it’s best to avoid contact with people who have symptoms until they feel better. You may also want to:
- open windows and doors if you meet people inside, or meet them outside instead
- stay at least 2 metres away from people (particularly indoors or in crowded places)
- work from home if you can, or talk to your employer about how they can help reduce your risk at work
- wear a face covering when it’s hard to stay away from other people
- think about asking people to wear a face covering or take a rapid lateral flow test if you’re meeting them inside
Avoid spreading Covid
NHS experts explain that if you have symptoms or have tested positive, there are measures you can take to prevent passing it on to others, including those you live with. You can:
- cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze and encourage children to do this
- regularly clean surfaces you touch often (such as door handles and remote controls) and in shared spaces, such as kitchens or bathrooms
- try to stay away from other people, including those you live with, until you feel better
- let people who need to come into your home know that you’ve tested positive or have symptoms
- think about asking friends, family or neighbours to get food and other essentials for you
- avoid indoor or crowded places (including public transport or large social gatherings) or places where there is not much fresh air if you need to leave your home
- wear a face covering when it’s hard to stay away from other people
- let healthcare professionals know about your positive test result or symptoms if you’re asked to attend an appointment in person
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