Brits have been reminded of a 20-second rule to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. In an update the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) urged people to follow some “simple” hygiene practices.
The advice comes as the UKHSA explained that now is the “ideal time” to be careful. On social media platform X, the health authority said: “Winter brings more than just festive cheer – respiratory illnesses like flu and COVID-19 also peak during colder months.”
On the Government website it continued: “As we brace ourselves for chillier days and look forward to more indoor gatherings and seasonal social events with friends and family, now is the ideal time to remind ourselves of guidance on vaccination, isolation, good respiratory etiquette, mask wearing, and other behaviours that can reduce the spread of respiratory infections known to peak during the autumn and winter period.
“The early start to the current flu season and the emergence of the drifted influenza A(H3N2) strain has caused some concern.”
It then highlighted some straightforward ways to stay safe.
It said: “Here is a list of simple actions you can take to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and other respiratory infections, and protect those at highest risk.”
Among the recommendations was the advice to “wash your hands frequently with warm, soapy water for 20 seconds”.
Other steps were:
- Get vaccinated if you are eligible
- If you are feeling unwell, stay at home
- Let fresh air in if meeting others indoors
- Cough into your bent elbow, or use a tissue and dispose of it afterwards in the nearest bin
- Clean your surroundings often, especially areas that are touched frequently such as door handles
It also recommended wearing a mask in two scenarios:
- When you are coming into close contact with someone at higher risk of becoming seriously unwell from a respiratory infection
- When there are a lot of respiratory viruses circulating, and you will be in close contact with other people in crowded and enclosed spaces
Vaccines
Certaim people are eligible for a flu and/or Covid vaccine. The UKHSA said: “Early data from UKHSA rapidly assessed how well this season’s flu vaccines are working.
“This showed the flu vaccines are providing good protection against hospitalisation in children and adults. There are currently no changes to the advice on what to do if you have, or think you may have COVID-19, influenza (flu) or any other respiratory infection.
“Vaccines help protect those most vulnerable from developing serious illness and being hospitalized and we strongly encourage all those eligible to get vaccinated against flu as soon as possible – vaccines remain our best defence.”
You could get a flu vaccine on the NHS if you:
- Are aged 65 or over (including those who will be 65 by 31 March 2026)
- Have certain long-term health conditions
- Are pregnant
- Live in a care home
- Are the main carer for an older or disabled person, or receive a carer’s allowance
- Live with someone who has a weakened immune system
Frontline health and social care workers can also get a flu vaccine through their employer.
You can get the winter COVID-19 vaccine if you:
- Are aged 75 or over (including those who will be 75 by 31 January 2026)
- Are aged six months to 74 years and have a weakened immune system because of a health condition or treatment
- Live in a care home for older adults
For more information on the vaccines, visit the NHS website here.
This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
