In recent news, we have seen an increase in the cases of norovirus across the UK. This awful sickness bug, which can make a person bedridden for days, causes sickness and diarrhoea amongst children and adults. It can also spread easily and quickly across schools, workplaces and families.
The BBC news report details that this month, about 60 schools across north-east England were sent home due to symptoms of flu and norovirus. Dr Nicholas Aigbogun said: “A number of schools across the region are reporting absences due to symptoms of likely viral illness including influenza (flu) and norovirus…We expect viral illnesses of this kind to circulate in schools and the community at this time of year and we have been providing advice to parents and schools to help reduce the spread of infection.”
If you had norovirus, you would know about it. However, just because you have had it once, does not mean you are immune again. Unfortunately, this disease mutates and you could even get a second round of it in the same season.
Protecting yourself and others around you from the virus is important, especially in public areas like workplaces, offices and schools. Staying healthy at work can prove a challenge in the winter, because there are so many bugs around, and a lot of people which are able to pass it on. Here are a few tips to staying healthy in the workplace to give you the best chance of avoiding norovirus or flu this season:
- Hand washing. This is the holy grail of staying well: HAND WASHING. You need to wash your hands regularly, especially after being in the bathroom. Try hand washing after your commute too. If you do not have a sink nearby, then carry antibacterial gel around with you. This does not replace proper hand washing, but can help in the interim before you can wash your hands properly. You should wash your hands with soap and warm water for 20 seconds. Germs transmit from surface to surface so easily, that washing hands can be the best way to avoid any further spreading.
- Eating well. In order to stay well this winter, you need to have a good diet. Fruit should be a part of this, because it is packed full of vitamin C, which is great for the immune system. Fruitful Office Ireland, a Dublin office fruit delivery company, says, “Soft citrus fruits are the “Niagara Falls” of Vitamin C. Vitamin C is critical for your immune system and all-round health. It acts as an anti-viral agent which helps to resist (or speed up recovery from) that pesky annual flu which spreads around the office during the autumn and winter months. They also contain Vitamin B1 which helps reduce stiffness and tiredness in the workplace.” You can read the full breakdown of benefits from each fruit here.
- Flu jab. The NHS advises vulnerable people, or those working in school and hospitals, to get the flu jab. The flu can be really nasty – it isn’t just a bad cold! The flu will take a person out of action for days and can lead to further complications. You can get this jab free in most pharmacies across the UK.
- Keep yourself warm. You should heat your home to least 18 degrees C or (65F) if you can. If you find your workplace too cold, speak to your employer about this. Staying warm is key to staying well.
- Seeking advice early. Although you may think your GP is too busy this season, you should contact them if you need help. You can also seek advice in pharmacies if you do find yourself starting to get ill. You can call 111 if you find yourself in a non-emergency situation, and the call handler can give you some advice. The key message here is not to suffer in silence!