Winter illnesses have started doing the rounds now that the colder weather has set in and deaths from one have risen by 15%
The UKHSA has issued advice to help prevent people from spreading winter illnesses(Image: Europa Press News, Europa Press via Getty Images)
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is encouraging the public to consider wearing face masks and take other precautions as colder weather sets in, bringing with it a host of bugs. The autumn and winter seasons often see a rise in illnesses such as flu, Covid, the common cold, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
These illnesses can present similar symptoms, but some can be significantly more severe than others. In a recent post on X the UKHSA advised: “Feeling under the weather? Help stop infections from spreading with this checklist for you and your family.”
The agency has outlined five key steps for the public to follow in order to help prevent the spread of infections in the coming weeks and months. Stay informed on the latest health news by signing up to our newsletter here
These include regular hand washing, catching coughs and sneezes in a tissue, staying home when feeling unwell, opening a window when meeting others indoors, and to consider wearing a mask when going out.
According to the latest government data, there has been a slight increase in Covid cases in the week leading up to October 8, with a rise of 1.9 per cent.
Covid-related deaths have also seen a significant increase, rising nearly 15% week on week, from 87 to 100, in the week ending October 3.
And in the week to September 30, the most recent data available, the number of patients admitted to healthcare settings with Covid rose from from 1,894 to 2,077, an increase of 9.7 per cent, reports the Mirror.