Don’t let winter viruses ruin your festive break
Get vaccinated and Catch It, Bin It, Kill It if you do become unwell.
With winter viruses such as flu on the rise, people in Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire are being urged to get vaccinated and to take steps to avoid passing them on if they do become ill.
Vulnerable groups including over-65s, pregnant women and people with long-term conditions are eligible for free flu and COVID-19 vaccinations.
In most cases it takes around two weeks to get the full protection, so there’s still time to act before Christmas.
Vaccinations are available from local pharmacies, community clinics and other services – full details are available at www.grabajab.net.
Deputy Chief Medical Officer at the NHS Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Integrated Care Board, Dr Geeta Iyer, said:
“We all love to get together with family and friends during the festive season but that extra time together indoors comes with an increased risk of flu and COVID-19 transmission.
“Nobody wants to see loved ones get ill over the festive break, so if you’re eligible for a vaccination, make sure you take it up.
“There’s less than three weeks until Christmas but that’s still enough time to get yourself vaccinated and make sure that flu doesn’t ruin your holiday.”
People who do become ill with winter viruses such as colds, flu and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are also being urged to take steps avoid transmission at home and in public places.
Airborne viruses spread readily through coughs and sneezes and can survive on hands as well as surfaces around the home.
Dr Iyer added:
“Remember the simple message: Catch It, Bin It, Kill It to help prevent the spread of winter viruses. Catch coughs and sneezes in a disposable tissue, bin it right away and wash your hands with soap to kill the virus for good.”