With many health care staff already feeling stretched, winter viruses only add to the pressure. So, what can you do to make sure both you and your patients are well prepared?
Jessica Turner, RCN Professional Lead for Public Health, tells you everything you need to know.
What are the main winter viruses and what are their key symptoms?
These are the most common viruses nursing staff can expect to see during the winter months.
- Flu – symptoms can develop rapidly and include a sudden high temperature, an aching body, feeling tired, a dry cough, a sore throat, a headache, difficulty sleeping, loss of appetite, diarrhoea or stomach pain, and feeling or being sick. Children may also get pain in their ears.
- COVID-19 – symptoms are similar to flu, but may also include a new continuous cough; a loss or change to sense of smell or taste; and shortness of breath.
- Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) – a common cause of coughs and colds. Most people get better by themselves, but RSV can be more serious for some groups, where it could lead to pneumonia. These are: babies under six months old; young children who were born prematurely; adults over 75; those with a weakened immune system or long-term lung or heart condition; people who smoke tobacco and babies exposed to tobacco smoke.
- Norovirus – also known as the winter vomiting bug. Symptoms usually start suddenly and those affected can feel sick, vomit and have diarrhoea. They may also have a high temperature, a headache, stomach pain and other aches and pains. People should start to feel better in two or three days.
Is there anything different about this year?
Flu has started unusually early this year, says the UK Health Security Agency, with circulation remaining high in children and young adults.
It’s more than a month earlier than usual, and also follows the biggest flu season in Australia’s history, and that’s usually an accurate predictor of what we’ll be looking at in the UK.
What advice should you give patients or carers worried about symptoms?
If someone is concerned, they should seek advice. The NHS website is a reliable, evidence-based resource for both nursing staff and patients. It provides advice about how best to manage symptoms, alongside signposting patients to more help if needed, including when to call 111 or 999. You can also contact your local pharmacy or GP practice for advice.
For those whose symptoms may be contagious, the advice is to use the internet or phone whenever possible to avoid spreading the virus.
Why is vaccination so important?
While most people who contract flu or COVID-19 will recover with no long-term harm, for some these can be serious illnesses, even leading to death. In England, flu excess mortality was estimated at 7,757 deaths last winter – higher than the 2023/2024 season at 3,555 deaths, but lower than 2022/2023 at 15,867 deaths.
We hear about these viruses a lot, but sometimes we don’t always recognise their severity and why we need to try our best to prevent them spreading, particularly to those who are more vulnerable. That’s why we have vaccination programmes – vaccination remains our strongest defence against severe winter illness.
As highly trusted professionals, nursing staff working in a variety of settings can play a pivotal role in encouraging patients to take up vaccinations they’re offered, including directing them towards community projects and pharmacies that may offer walk-in appointments.
It’s also an opportunity to make every contact count, weaving in some simple messages about how to take care of yourself, including asking about vaccination.
Unfortunately, there can be misinformation out there, so it’s important to remind people that all vaccines go through a rigorous process. Highlighting accurate information that helps relieve concerns is an important aspect of our nursing role. Whenever people ask us questions about health, we have a professional responsibility to give evidenced-based information.
What vaccines are available and who’s eligible?
- Flu – the NHS recommends vaccination for everyone aged 65 or above; those who have certain long-term health conditions; care home residents; carers; pregnant women; and those living with people who are immunocompromised. All frontline health and social care professionals are also entitled to a free flu vaccine through your employer. We strongly recommend that everyone takes this up. It’s the best way to protect yourself from severe illness during the winter months.
- COVID-19 – vaccination is offered to those aged 75 or above; those with a weakened immune system because of a health condition or treatment; and those who live in a care home for older adults.
- RSV – vaccination is recommended for those who are 28 weeks pregnant or more; aged 75 to 79; or those who turned 80 after 1 September 2024.
What can you do to help prevent and control infections?
All nursing staff can help to reduce the spread of viruses by continuing to follow infection prevention and control precautions that should be part of day-to-day practice.
We can also remind our patients of these simple measures. This includes good hand hygiene, washing hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds; catching coughs and sneezes in tissues; and good ventilation.
If someone does have symptoms, they should avoid contact with those who are vulnerable. Generally speaking, the advice is stay at home if you can, until you feel better.
How can you look after yourself?
Nursing staff can face a difficult few months over winter. That’s on top of working environments that are already challenging.
Looking after yourself, alongside your patients, is vital. I want to encourage nursing staff to prioritise their own mental and physical health. Boosting immunity is key. Make sure you’re eating well, staying hydrated and getting enough sleep.
We’re part of an incredibly caring and highly skilled profession and we go into these roles to look after others, but that can mean our own health and wellbeing suffers. Take a few moments to think how you can protect your own physical and mental health this winter.
For more information and support, contact your workplace health and safety rep or visit our website.
