Flu, RSV, Covid Update | 5 Jan 2024 | CMO Prof Breda Smyth

Описание: We can all play our part to minimise the spread of respiratory viruses and reduce pressure on our hospitals. Please continue to follow the behaviours that help. Get vaccinated. Stay home when sick. Clean hands, practice good respiratory etiquette, ventilate where possible.
TRANSCRIPT:
Hi, everyone. Happy New Year. I hope you all had a lovely Christmas. Well, while many of us were enjoying downtime over the holiday, our healthcare workers have been working tirelessly to ensure that our health service continued to operate as normal. Thank you very much from all of us. Our hospitals are still under pressure due to the rise in respiratory illnesses. Flu, RSV and a new Covid sub-variant are circulating at high levels and we all know someone who has been sick in the past couple of weeks. As our children go back to school and we go back to work, this will give rise to increased mixing, so let's continue to follow the simple steps to prevent virus transmission. Stay at home if you're sick. Don't be afraid to cancel your plans. Others will thank you for it. Your symptoms may be mild for you, but they could lead to serious illness in others. Also, it's never too late to vaccinate. Continue to clean your hands, cough or sneeze into your elbow. Ventilate indoor spaces where possible. And please support people who choose to wear a mask. If you need medical assistance, consider all options available such as your local pharmacist, GP or Minor Injury Unit. All of these actions make a difference, not just for you and your loved ones, but for all of us. So, thank you very much.