One of the best ways of helping to reduce the spread of Covid-19 and other infectious diseases is to meet up with people outside, or to ensure plenty of fresh air is circulating if meeting inside.
As the weather becomes brighter, meeting people outside becomes easier. When seeing people from outside of your household, it is sensible to take simple steps to improve ventilation when indoors, including opening doors and windows to let fresh air in. Opening windows regularly for just 10 minutes, or a small amount continuously, can still reduce the airborne risk from Covid-19 substantially compared to spaces with no fresh air.
Wash your hands regularly
Washing your hands regularly can prevent the spread of respiratory and diarrheal infections from one person to the next and help yourself and your loved ones stay healthy.
You should wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or if you are out and about and do not have access to a sink, use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol to clean your hands. It’s especially important during times when you are likely to get and spread germs such as preparing food, after blowing your nose, coughing and sneezing.
Book your free health check
You may be eligible for a free NHS health check. Health checks are offered for free to all 40-74 year olds with no pre-existing health conditions.
They are designed to spot early signs of stroke, kidney disease, heart disease, type 2 diabetes or dementia. As we get older we have a higher risk of developing one of these conditions. During the pandemic Health Checks were put on hold but they’re now up and running again! Head to www.somersethealthchecks.co.uk for more information.
Want to take control of your own health and wellbeing?
Be aware of stress & anxiety
While some may be relieved to see the end of Covid restrictions, please consider that others may feel significant stress and anxiety. It’s important to acknowledge these feelings and remind each other that staying healthy is as much about your mind as it is about your body.
Mindline Somerset is a confidential listening service, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Their volunteers offer a friendly ear, and can provide help or support with emotional health and wellbeing. The number to call is 01823 276 892.
Everyone’s mental wellbeing changes throughout their life, but it’s important not to just put up with poor mental health. If you’re concerned about how you are feeling, please speak to your GP or visit Every Mind Matters - NHS (www.nhs.uk)
Get your Covid vaccination & booster
Over the last two years, we have all become aware of the risks associated with Covid-19, including the increased chance of becoming re-infected with the virus, and suffering from long-covid. Our main defence against becoming seriously ill with Covid-19 is to get vaccinated. It isn’t too late to get your first, second or booster vaccination, and we would encourage anyone who is eligible to get their fourth booster jab when it becomes available in the Spring.
These simple actions have very little impact on our ability to go out and about and enjoy our everyday lives – but they make a big difference when it comes to helping to protecting our friends, family and local communities in Somerset.
It’s never too late to take control of your health and well-being, and we have resources to help you every step of the way. A good first stop when looking for support for yourself, the people you know or your community is Coronavirus – Mental and emotional health information (somerset.gov.uk)