The festive season brings around good times, celebrations, and reunions each year. But it is also accompanied by seasonal illnesses.
And the NHS has issued a stark warning to Scots, advising them what to do if they are exhibiting symptoms of Covid, RSV, norovirus or the flu. Health chiefs are referring to the concurrent outbreaks of these illnesses as a “quad-demic,” with each virus gaining ground as winter strengthens their spread.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) disclosed that, as of the week ending December 11, there were up to 1,069 confirmed Covid cases. Even though the recorded Covid infections slightly declined by 1.6 per cent, deaths and hospitalisations triggered by the virus have witnessed a surge, reports the Mirror.
In anticipation of New Year celebrations, experts are urging individuals to “take one for the team” and refrain from attending social events if they feel sick.
“Supposed to be going to a Christmas, Boxing Day, or New Year party but feeling unwell?” asked a NHS spokesperson. “Take one for the team and stay at home so that everyone else doesn’t get ill.”
As per health service guidance, it’s important to stay hydrated and maintain a nutritious diet to potentially ease the illness at home.
To cope with the chills related to flu or Covid, the NHS recommends staying warm through wearing gloves, layering up, and keeping the most used rooms at around 18C – as reported by Yahoo.
Prior to Christmas, the NHS released a statement urging eligible individuals to receive their flu vaccinations. Professor Sir Stephen Powis, NHS national medical director, said: “The NHS has been hit hard with an early festive flu season, putting increased pressure on staff as they prepare for the long winter ahead of us.”
He also highlighted the proactive measures in place, adding: “In response to the flood of flu cases so early in the season, the NHS has been making it as easy as possible for people to get protected with a jab, including vaccination centres in supermarket car parks and football clubs.”
He went on to warn: “As children finish school and friends and families congregate over the Christmas period we expect viruses to continue to spread so if you haven’t got your flu jab and are eligible please come forward, and the public should think twice about seeing loved ones if they are seriously unwell.”
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