You’ll be glad you stocked up on these essentials in advance
A GP has shared a list of items that people might want to stock up on as respiratory illnesses begin to circulate. According to the UK Health Security Agency, Covid infections in the UK are currently at “medium levels” and the number of patients in hospital with the virus has increased by 69 per cent in a month.
As colder weather approaches and people spend more time indoors, cases of respiratory viruses are expected to continue rising. Dr Roger Henderson, a GP and spokesperson for Olbas, has urged people to be prepared.
He advised: “Stock up on basics like paracetamol or ibuprofen, tissues, lozenges, cough syrup, natural decongestants, rehydration salts, and a thermometer.”
He added: “Make sure you’ve got hand soap, hand gel, and some masks if someone gets sick and if you can, try to have a good airflow at home (open a window for a short time or use an air filter). Try to plan ahead for being able to get food or medicine should you need to stay at home if you are unwell.”
The NHS is also urging everyone eligible to come forward for vaccination, which can take around two weeks to fully boost protection, , reports the Express.
In addition to vaccines, Dr Henderson recommended some other simple steps to reduce your risk of catching a virus:
- Keep rooms aired out
- Wash hands regularly
- Cover coughs and sneezes
- Wear a mask in crowded indoor places if you want extra protection
- Stay home if you feel unwell
Dr Henderson added: “Together, these small steps really cut down the spread of colds, flu, and Covid.”
The dominant variant in the UK is now XFG, or Stratus. Last week, the UK Health Security Agency confirmed that symptoms associated with Covid have changed over time.
The statement read: “Today, many people now experience cold-like symptoms and some will also experience fever or chills, continuous cough, shortness of breath, tiredness, body aches, headache, sore throat, blocked nose, loss of appetite, nausea, diarrhoea, or change in sense of taste or smell.”
It added: “Some people report a hoarse voice or a particularly painful sore throat, associated with the latest variants. This has been referred to in the media as ‘razor-blade throat’.”
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