Health / NHS issues advice after rise in viral and respiratory infections
NHS SHETLAND’s public health team has moved to offer guidance due to a rise in viral and respiratory infections which are typically associated with the winter months.
The NHS said there are things that people can to do prevent the spread of infections, especially to help the most vulnerable people in our community.
There is advice on the NHS Inform website about what to do if someone becomes unwell, including managing symptoms at home, how to prevent the spread, and when you may need further medical help.
NHS Shetland said if someone has symptoms of respiratory or diarrhoea/vomiting infections, they should not visit people in hospital or care homes.
For respiratory symptoms (which may be due to Covid, flu, RSV or other viruses) people should look here.
The main points include:
- Stay at home, in particular, avoid contact with vulnerable people, whilst unwell or have a fever. There is no minimum length of time people need to do this for, as it depends on the symptoms.
- Cover the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, dispose of tissues in a bin and wash hands.
- People should wash their hands regularly with soap and water for 20 seconds or use hand sanitiser after coughing, sneezing, blowing their nose and before they eat or handle food.
- Ventilate rooms.
NHS Shetland said if people think they might have Covid, they do not need to test themselves unless they are in a group that is eligible for treatment.
There is more information online, including the local phone number (01595 743 393) to request an assessment for treatment if someone is in an eligible group, they have symptoms and have tested positive for Covid.
For gastrointestinal (diarrhoea and/or vomiting) infections the following advice also applies:
- Stay off work until at least 48 hours after the symptoms have passed.
- Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water, particularly after using the toilet and before preparing food – do not rely on alcohol hand gels, as they are not always effective against diarrhoea and vomiting bugs.
- Disinfect any surfaces or objects that could be contaminated – it is best to use a bleach-based household cleaner.
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