People in Essex warned to take precautions to prevent the spread of flu
The UK Health Security Agency say both the flu and Covid-19 are circulating at 'high levels'.
Last updated 4th Jan 2023
People across Essex are being asked to take extra measures to stop the spread of influenza and the Corona-virus.
This comes as the UK Health Security Agency say we need to protect the most vulnerable adults and children as we return to life after the Christmas break.
The UKHSA have warned the public that both the flu and Covid-19 are currently circulating at 'high levels', which they say is likely to increase in the coming weeks.
Dr Claire Oliver-Williams from the UKHSA for the East of England says it's the small changes that make a huge difference: " If you have got a child that has got a fever, don't just give them cal pol and send them to school. Keep them at home until that fever has gone down and they're feeling well enough to sit through a whole day of classes."
"If you're an adult who is feeling unwell, try not to go out if you don't have to but if you do, maybe think about wearing a face covering so you don't breathe any germs on other people."
She also said: " It's just a good way of protecting yourself and other people. It is at the end of the day, entirely voluntary. I think a lot of people, including my own Christmas and New Year has been really disrupted by illness. Most people just want that to kind of stop. One of the fastest ways of doing that is just hand washing and staying at home if you're feeling unwell."
Cheif Medical Adviser at the UK Health Security Agency says its important to minimise the spread of infection in schools and other education and childcare settings as much as possible and helping children to learn the importance of good hygiene is key.
To find out more information about the current advice, visit: https://ukhsa.blog.gov.uk/