Festive fun without the flu: Simple steps for a healthy Christmas

With winter bugs such as flu on the increase, we are urging local people to take simple steps to protect themselves and others from seasonal illnesses.

Winter viruses such as flu, COVID-19, colds and coughs, and tummy bugs such as norovirus spread easily in colder months when we spend more time indoors.

Most of us will recover quickly with over-the-counter remedies and rest, but they can cause serious illness, particularly for older people, young children, and those with long-term health conditions.

By following a few key measures, we can all help keep our communities well.

Top tips to stay well and stop the spread:

• get vaccinated: flu and COVID-19 vaccines are the best protection against severe illness. If you’re eligible, book your vaccination as soon as possible
• stay home if you’re unwell: avoid visiting hospitals, care homes, or vulnerable people if you have symptoms of flu, COVID-19, or norovirus
• practice good hygiene: wash your hands regularly with soap and water, especially after using the toilet and before eating. Hand sanitiser can help, but it’s not effective against norovirus
• catch it, bin it, kill it: use tissues for coughs and sneezes, dispose of them quickly, and wash your hands
• rest and recover: most winter illnesses can be managed at home with rest, fluids, and over-the-counter remedies such as paracetamol or ibuprofen.

Dr Chris Reid, Chief Medical Officer for NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly ICB says:

“The first important step to keeping well this winter is ensuring you take up the vaccinations that you are eligible for. They are offered every year on the NHS to help protect people at increased risk of complications from flu and COVID viruses.

“If you do become unwell, please stay at home and avoid contact with vulnerable people. Simple actions like handwashing and resting can make a big difference. By working together, we can reduce the spread of winter bugs and help protect our health services for those who need them most.”

Extra advice for parents with sick children:

• keep them home from school or nursery if they have symptoms of flu, COVID-19, or tummy bugs
• encourage regular handwashing – especially after using the toilet and before eating
• offer plenty of fluids and rest to prevent dehydration
• seek advice if symptoms worsen – call NHS 111 or your GP if your child is very unwell, has a high fever that doesn’t come down, or shows signs of dehydration
• avoid giving aspirin to children under 16 unless prescribed by a doctor.

Where to get help locally:

• pharmacies: local pharmacies are a great first port of call for medicines and advice. Most can also offer advice and treatment for these minor conditions through the Pharmacy First service, without the need for a GP appointment:

1. earache (age 1 to 17)
2. impetigo, a skin infection (age 1 and over)
3. infected insect bite (age 1 and over)
4. shingles (age 18 and over)
5. sinusitis (age 12 and over)
6. sore throat (age 5 and over)
7. uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTI) or cystitis in women (age 16 to 64)

Find your nearest pharmacy and check opening times

• NHS 111: if you’re unsure what care you need, call 111 or visit 111.nhs.uk for free advice 24/7, including for urgent dental treatment and mental health crisis support
• minor injury units (MIUs): these can treat sprains, minor fractures, burns, cuts, bites, and infections – no appointment needed. Check live waiting times online before you go
• urgent treatment centres: at West Cornwall Hospital in Penzance and the Dartmoor building at Derriford and Cumberland Centre in Plymouth for urgent but non-life-threatening conditions
• emergency department: for life-threatening emergencies (such as chest pain, stroke symptoms, severe bleeding) always call 999 or go to the nearest emergency department.