The UK Health Security Agency has issued a reminder about the spread of viruses in the UK
Families throughout the UK have been advised to familiarise themselves with the signs of winter ailments and take measures to safeguard themselves and others – whilst knowing when to seek additional medical assistance. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is tracking the circulation of viruses including flu, Covid-19, RSV and norovirus as the mercury begins to drop.
Earlier this month, the agency documented an uptick in Covid cases with new variants XFG and NB. 1.8.1, referred to as the Stratus and Nimbus strains, fuelling the surge. Whilst the most recent UKHSA bulletin published on October 23 showed Covid cases declining, compared to a substantial jump in flu activity, health chiefs have reminded the public about the significance of taking precautions against the virus.
Dr Jamie Lopez Bernal, consultant epidemiologist at the UKHSA, said: “Anyone experiencing flu or Covid-19 symptoms, including high temperature, cough and feeling tired or achy, should try to minimise contact with others, particularly with those who may be vulnerable. If you have symptoms and need to leave the house, our advice remains that you should consider wearing a face covering.
“Washing hands regularly and using and disposing tissues in bins can reduce the spread of these illnesses, as can ensuring that indoor areas are well ventilated,” he added. The UKHSA also emphasised the significance of everyone who is eligible ensuring they receive their jabs against these winter bugs, reports Chronicle Live.
The NHS has provided a comprehensive list of Covid symptoms to be aware of. According to the NHS, the full list of Covid symptoms can include:
- a high temperature or shivering (chills) – a high temperature means you feel hot to touch on your chest or back (you do not need to measure your temperature)
- a new, continuous cough – this means coughing a lot for more than an hour, or three or more coughing episodes in 24 hours
- a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste
- shortness of breath
- feeling tired or exhausted
- an aching body
- a headache
- a sore throat
- a blocked or runny nose
- loss of appetite
- diarrhoea
- feeling sick or being sick
However, these symptoms bear a striking resemblance to those of other illnesses like colds and flu. Regardless, if you’re experiencing these symptoms along with a high temperature or feeling too unwell to carry out your normal activities, the health service advises staying at home and avoiding contact with others.
While most individuals who contract Covid will recover within a few weeks, it can pose a more serious threat to some, and there are certain circumstances where you should seek urgent help from a GP or NHS 111. The NHS insists that you must do this if any of the following apply:
- you’re worried about your or a child’s Covid-19 symptoms or are not sure what to do
- the symptoms are getting worse or are not getting better
- you or a child have other signs of illness, such as a rash, loss of appetite or feeling weak
- you or a child have a high temperature that lasts five days or more or does not come down with paracetamol
- a child under three months old and has a temperature of 38C or higher, or you think they have a high temperature
- a child three to six months old and has a temperature of 39C or higher, or you think they have a high temperature
It’s especially important to seek help if you are at increased risk of getting ill from the virus, such as if you’re pregnant, aged 60 or over or have a weakened immune system. The NHS says you must call 999 or go to A&E if you or a child:
- seems very unwell, is getting worse or you think there’s something seriously wrong – children and babies in particular can get unwell very quickly
- get sudden chest pain
- are so breathless you’re unable to say short sentences when resting or your breathing has suddenly got worse – in babies their stomach may suck in under their ribs
- start coughing up blood
- collapse, faint, or have a seizure or fit for the first time
- a rash that does not fade when you roll a glass over it, the same as meningitis.
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