Stay well together this winter

Thursday 22 October 2020

HSC is asking islanders to embrace the Guernsey Together spirit once more, to help the entire community stay well during the winter.

Planning for the colder months has started "earlier than ever before" this year, with hospitals, GPs, social services and other health professionals coming together to work out the best way of responding to the typical rise in flu and common cold cases, as well as the ongoing threat of covid-19.

"As we approach winter, we always need to ensure that we are prepared for the worst, and this winter promises to be particularly challenging," said Dr Peter Rabey, Medical Director and Chair of the Winter Planning Group. "Actions are being taken in readiness across the health and care services."

Pictured: Dr Rabey, who has appeared on some of the States' Covid-19 media briefings, is heading up HSC's Winter Planning Group. 

One of the core messages this winter is that "prevention is better than cure". For example, proper hand washing and good hygiene can break the chain of infection, and stop someone from getting sick in the first place.

Director of Public Health Dr Nicola Brink emphasised the importance of islanders taking the proper precautions.

"For islanders it is important that we know what we can do to keep well throughout the winter months," she said. "We will do all we can to ensure our frontline health and care services are prepared, but we also need islanders to work together and stop the spread of viruses, including covid-19, and protect the most vulnerable in our society."

We need to help each other to stay well this winter.
HSC teams began winter planning earlier this year working hard on our response.

Read the media release: https://t.co/2LcaQUttyu

Stay well this winter: https://t.co/MYv4DUd3Jb#CatchItBinItKillIt #GuernseyTogether #Winter2020 pic.twitter.com/yVL9fEpwsi

— States of Guernsey (@Govgg) October 22, 2020

The usual 'catch it, bin it, kill it' mantra will be particularly important this winter, as it promotes good respiratory and hand hygiene. Islanders are advised to carry tissues, using them to catch a cough or sneeze, disposing of them immediately, then killing any remaining viruses by washing hands or using sanitiser.

Some people are more vulnerable than others during the colder winter months, including over-65s, young children, those with chronic physical conditions or mental health conditions, people with disabilities and pregnant women.

Many vulnerable groups can receive a flu vaccine free of charge, and all islanders are advised to do so in the autumn months before the flu starts spreading. Anyone who is feeling unwell should seek advice through their GP.

HSC have issued the following advice to keep islanders warm and well during the winter:

- Vulnerable people should keep their homes heated to at least 18 degrees during the day

- Have at least one hot meal a day, and have regular hot drinks

- Draw your curtains at dusk and keep doors closed to block out draughts

- Get your heating system checked by a qualified professional

- Check in on older neighbours and relatives to make sure they are safe, well, warm and are well-stocked on medicine and food

The usual advice on covid-19 remains: anyone with cold or flu-like symptoms should contact the clinical helpline on either 756938 or 756969. Further information can be found on the States of Guernsey website HERE.