Cumbria’s director of public health, Colin Cox, has urged people to take precautions in order to stop the spread of infections further. 

He said: “As was predicted we’re seeing respiratory illnesses spreading rapidly right now, whether that’s covid, flu or just the common cold. For most of us, getting ill with these bugs is an unpleasant inconvenience, but for others the implications for their health are still serious. We also know it puts more pressure on the NHS at a time when it is already under severe strain.

“The things that people can do to prevent the spread of winter bugs are simple, and really just a common courtesy to other people: if you are ill, stay at home if you can; if you have to go out when you have a respiratory illness, then wear a mask when you are around people; and of course practise good hygiene, cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing and wash your hands regularly.

“These actions genuinely make a difference and I’d encourage everyone to do what they can to help prevent infections spreading.”

How you can help:

• The public are advised to only call 999 or visit A&E if their condition is life threatening.  Patients can expect long waits as services focus their attention on the most urgent cases.
• If you need advice for an everyday illness or injury, contact your local pharmacy or look at the self-care advice at www.nhs.uk. You can also check your symptoms at www.111.nhs.uk, which will re-direct you to a health professional if you need treatment. Parents and families can also find valuable information from the Healthier Together website or app.
• If you are visiting a loved one in hospital it is strongly advised you wear a mask and check on the Trust website first to see if the ward you are visiting has any restrictions due to an outbreak.
• If you are eligible ensure you have had your winter vaccinations
• We are regularly sharing communications through our website, social media and the media which we would be grateful if you could share in your networks.

Back to school advice issued amid high levels of flu, COVID-19 and scarlet fever

• The UK Health and Security Agency (UKHSA) is reminding people that winter illnesses continue to circulate at high levels and that following simple steps can help protect children, minimise the spread of illness in education and childcare settings and protect wider communities.
• The UKHSA reported that flu and COVID-19 are currently circulating at high levels and are likely to continue to increase in the coming weeks. High numbers of scarlet fever, which is caused by group A streptococcus, also continue to be reported.
• The UKHSA also highlights the importance of minimising the spread of infection in schools and other education and childcare settings as much as possible. If a child is unwell and has a fever, they should stay home from school or nursery until they feel better and the fever has resolved.
• It also recommends that adults should also try to stay home when unwell and if individuals do have to go out, they are encouraged to wear a face covering. Unwell individuals are advised not to visit healthcare settings or vulnerable people if possible.
• Flu vaccination is still available for all eligible groups and is the best protection against the virus. There has been good uptake in older age groups but vaccination among young children remains low. Eligible children include:
  • Those aged two and three on 31 August 2022.
  • All primary school-aged children.
  • Some secondary school-aged children.
  • More information about getting children vaccinated against flu can be found on NHS.UK.
• Cumbria County Council’s Director of Public Health Colin Cox is also advising people to take simple steps to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, flu and other respiratory illnesses this winter, as cases rise across Cumbria.

North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust: The Little Orange Book

• The NHS has produced a ‘Little Orange Book’ for parents, which contains expert advice and tips on how to manage common illnesses and problems that young children often experience in the first 5 years of their lives. It also has information on more serious conditions, what to look out for and how to help.
• The aim of The Little Orange Book is to help make parenting a little bit easier.
• Please click here: CCG_Booklet_21_v1.1_g (staywell-nenc.co.uk)
• Stay well information https://www.staywell-nenc.co.uk/choose-the-right-service

National flu and COVID-19 surveillance reports published

• The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has published the latest national influenza and COVID-19 report, monitoring COVID-19 activity, seasonal flu and other seasonal respiratory illnesses. Due to reporting delays and bank holidays over Christmas and New Year, findings should be interpreted with caution.
• Surveillance indicators suggest that, at a national level, COVID-19 activity has decreased across all indicators in week 52 of 2022 compared to week 51. The main findings include:
• The hospital admission rate for week 52 was 10.71 per 100,000 population, a decrease from 11.79 in the previous week.
• Hospital admission rates for COVID-19 were highest in the South East, with a rate of 14.29 per 100,000 population.
• Hospital admission rates and intensive care admission rates for flu have increased further in recent weeks. The admission rates increased in week 51 to very high activity levels. The rate in week 52 was in the medium activity range. Admission rates have increased in adults aged 85 and over and those aged 75 to 84. Hospitalisations among children under the age of five also remain high.
• The Department of Health and Social Care is urging all those eligible for the flu vaccine to come forward as cases rise to levels not seen since before the COVID-19 outbreak.
• The UKHSA published the final reproduction number (R) and growth rate of COVID-19 on 23 December 2022. COVID-19 incidence data will continue to be accessible from the Office for National Statistics COVID-19 Infection Survey, UK Statistical bulletins.