Staying well this winter

1 December 2023

During the winter, the number of germs circulating increases. This means you are more likely to be exposed to germs that cause coughs, colds, and sickness. These can include flu, COVID-19 and norovirus.

There are things we can all do to help keep us, our loved ones, and those we meet stay well this winter.

• regular handwashing with soap and water
• keeping spaces well-ventilated when mixing indoors
• avoiding contact with people if you feel you may pass germs on to others
• covering your nose and mouth when sneezing and coughing, preferably with a disposable tissue
• if you are unwell with a temperature and do not feel well enough to work, stay at home and avoid contact with other people - if necessary, seek medical advice
• if you have symptoms of vomiting and/or diarrhoea, do not come into work until 48 hours after this has all stopped even if you are feeling better
• if your role allows you to work from home and you feel well enough, for example in cases of mild illness, then do so with agreement from your line manager
• some people will be invited for seasonal vaccines such as flu or COVID-19. If you can, take up the offer to be vaccinated to protect yourself from becoming seriously unwell

Staff who are more likely to be exposed to flu and COVID-19 infection due to the nature of their job, for example frontline health and social care staff, will be offered a flu and COVID-19 vaccine. This is to help protect you, your loved ones, and the people you work with who may be more vulnerable to serious illness. Please take up this offer.