NHS Shetland’s Public Health Team is reminding people of the steps they can take to stay well and reduce the risk of viral and respiratory infections, which are more common during the winter months in Shetland.
Anyone experiencing respiratory symptoms is advised to consider staying indoors until they feel better, to help prevent the spread of infection to others.
Kathleen Jamieson, Health Protection Nurse Specialist, said: “If you’re planning to take part in local events, please think carefully about attending if you’re feeling unwell or have symptoms that could spread to others. If you do still want to be involved, limiting your attendance to the outdoor procession can help you enjoy the celebrations while reducing the risk to those around you.
“We also ask people to be especially mindful of older and more vulnerable individuals and take steps to avoid passing infections on to them. The NHS Inform website provides helpful advice on what to do if you become unwell, including managing symptoms at home, how to reduce the spread of infection, and when to seek further medical advice. If you have symptoms of respiratory or diarrhoea and vomiting infections, please do not visit people, this includes those in hospital or care homes.”
Respiratory infections
Respiratory symptoms may be caused by Covid, flu, RSV or other viruses. Further information is available on Acute respiratory infection (ARI) | NHS inform
Key advice includes:
- Stay at home while you are unwell or have a fever, and in particular avoid contact with vulnerable people. There is no minimum length of time for this; it depends on your symptoms.
- Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, dispose of tissues in a bin, and wash your hands.
- Wash your hands regularly with soap and water for 20 seconds, or use hand sanitiser, especially after coughing, sneezing, blowing your nose, and before eating or handling food.
- Ventilate rooms where possible.
- Ensure you are stocked up on any medicines you may need.
Gastrointestinal infections
For diarrhoea and/or vomiting infections, see Gastroenteritis | NHS inform. The following advice also applies:
- Individuals should stay off school or work until at least 48 hours after symptoms have stopped.
- Wash hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water, particularly after using the toilet and before preparing food. Alcohol hand gels are not always effective against diarrhoea and vomiting viruses.
- Disinfect any surfaces or objects that may be contaminated, ideally using a bleach-based household cleaner.
Flu vaccination
Vaccination remains the best way to protect yourself and your family from becoming unwell with flu or Covid.
If you believe you should have received a flu vaccine but have not heard from us, or if we have contacted you and you have not yet made an appointment, please let us know.
You can check your eligibility for the flu vaccine by visiting Winter vaccines | NHS inform
The NHS Shetland Vaccination Team can be contacted by calling 01595 74 3319 or emailing shet.vaccination-team@nhs.scot.
Further advice is available on the NHS Inform website at Self-help guides | NHS inform.
Finally, we would like to wish everyone a safe and enjoyable Up Helly Aa. NHS Shetland has been delighted with the support received in launching the ABC campaign. The community-wide initiative is designed to help share information on how people can stay safe, look out for one another and be mindful of their behaviour throughout the festive period and beyond. For more information please visit ABC Campaign – NHS Shetland.