'Stay home and mask up' plea issued over barrage of winter bugs

Winter bugs have taken hold across Britain, sparking calls for people to take proactive measures. An alert was sounded today concerning an array of infectious illnesses, including flu, COVID, RSV, norovirus, hMPV, and the common cold which are all contributing to the nationwide spike in ill health.

The UK Health Security Agency's (UKHSA) advice underscored the ease with which these viruses can spread during the colder months: "During winter, lots of illnesses like norovirus and flu spread easily. If you're unwell, there are actions you can take to reduce the risk of spreading infections to others."

The agency urges various preventive practices, highlighting the importance of staying at home if symptomatic and wearing masks when necessary outdoors. While it's not uncommon to encounter these viruses year-round, there simultaneous circulation in winter leads to heightened illness rates.

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For groups at higher risk, the UKHSA highlights the availability of vaccines against flu, COVID, and RSV, noting: "Staying at home when you have symptoms of flu or COVID-19 helps protect those who are vulnerable. If you need to go out when unwell, consider wearing a mask around other people."

In tackling the spread of respiratory infections, the UKHSA reminds the public about simple yet effective methods such as tissue usage for coughs and sneezes, frequent handwashing, and well-ventilated indoor meeting spaces, reports the Mirror.

Differences between RSV, flu and COVID

The UKHSA has also issued a warning about respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), a common winter illness that can spread through coughs and sneezes. Symptoms include coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, fatigue and fever.

While many experience mild symptoms, RSV can cause bronchiolitis in infants, making it difficult for them to breathe and feed. The virus can also be severe in older adults, leading to pneumonia and exacerbating existing lung diseases and other long-term conditions.

Flu is another viral infection that affects the nose, throat and lungs, primarily during the winter months. It's far more severe than a common cold, which typically causes a runny nose, sneezing, watery eyes and throat irritation.

Unlike a cold, flu symptoms usually come on suddenly and can include fever and body aches. Flu can lead to serious illness, particularly in children, with over 8,000 hospitalisations last winter. Those at higher risk include older people, those with weakened immune systems, and individuals with long-term health conditions.

Over the past two winters, at least 18,000 deaths were associated with flu, according to the UKHSA.

While COVID-19 may not be as severe for most people as it was in the early stages of the pandemic, it continues to cause serious illness, hospitalisations and fatalities. This is particularly true for those with compromised immune systems, certain long-term health conditions, and the elderly.

It's normal for viruses to genetically evolve over time, and new variants of COVID-19, like previous ones, can easily spread through droplets released when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks.

The UKHSA has noted that the symptoms of COVID have evolved over time. Many individuals now exhibit cold-like symptoms, but others may also experience fever or chills, a persistent cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, body aches, headaches, a sore throat, a blocked nose, loss of appetite, nausea, diarrhoea, or changes in taste or smell.

Norovirus

Norovirus, often referred to as the "winter vomiting bug", is a viral stomach bug that triggers vomiting and diarrhoea. While it can be extremely unpleasant, it typically clears up within two days, according to the UKHSA.

They added: "This season we are experiencing the highest number of norovirus cases since our current reporting system began."

Norovirus, often dubbed the 'winter vomiting bug', presents with symptoms such as nausea, diarrhoea, and vomiting. Sufferers may also experience a high temperature, headaches, and aching limbs.

Symptoms typically emerge suddenly within one to two days after infection, but most people can recover at home with rest and plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. Improvement is usually seen within two to three days.

However, vulnerable individuals like the very young, elderly, or those with weakened immune systems may face more severe or extended illness and should seek medical advice.

The UKHSA has issued guidance stating: "It is very important to stay off school or work until you have not been sick or had diarrhoea for at least two days. You also should not prepare food for others during that period as this is when you're most infectious. You should also not visit hospitals or care homes during this time."

Moving on to the common cold, caused by the rhinovirus, the UKHSA explains that symptoms develop gradually over a few days. The typical signs include a blocked or runny nose, sneezing, a sore throat, hoarseness, a cough, fatigue, and general malaise.

Some may also suffer from a high temperature, muscle aches, loss of taste and smell, and pressure in the ears and face.

Young children may experience prolonged cold symptoms, including irritability, feeding and sleeping difficulties, mouth breathing, and sickness following coughing. The NHS website. provides further information on distinguishing between colds and flu.

Adenovirus, parainfluenza and human metapneumovirus (hMPV)

The UKHSA said: "These three viruses cause a wide range of symptoms similar to those of a cold. Parainfluenza viruses are common causes of respiratory infections in infants, young children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems.

"Adenoviruses and hMPV typically cause mild, cold-like illnesses in people of all ages. They are seen throughout the year, but can spread more easily in winter."

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