As with all respiratory illnesses, particularly during cold and flu season, you can reduce your risk of illness by following these precautions:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds.
- Where soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser.
- Avoid close contact with people suffering from cold or flu like symptoms.
- Avoiding shaking hands when meeting people.
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, or use a flexed elbow.
- Try to avoid shared food – grapes, biscuits, sweets etc
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Get vaccinated against seasonal influenza.
- Avoid unprotected contact with live wild or farm animals.
We know that mental health can also be impacted during periods of uncertainty. To support your wellbeing we recommend:
- Using reputable sources for coronavirus (COVID-19) information. The best source for up-to-date and correct information is the World Health Organization – www.who.int.
- Acknowledging feelings of vulnerability and distress – it’s normal to feel like this in these situations. Reassure people you know who may be worried.
- Not making assumptions about who is responsible for the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19). It can affect anyone, regardless of gender, ethnicity or age.
- Managing how you follow the outbreak in the media. Find a balance of staying informed, but not over-sensationalising the situation.
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