03 December 2021

Cold and flu like reminder

People will be aware that there is an unpleasant cold spreading quickly through Stanley.  To date, all swabs taken from symptomatic people have returned negative results for COVID.

Irrespective of this, any person, adult or child, who is unwell should be at home.  They should not attend work, school or nursery until they have been fever-free for 24 hours, or until they feel better (i.e. no muscle aches, sneezing, headache etc).  This is standard advice for any flu-like viral illness.

For people who are unwell with fever symptoms, please contact the KEMH for a telephone assessment.  You might be invited in for a swab.

Dr Beccy Edwards said: “I understand there is concern around the number of people who have a cold at the moment, and this virus is aggressive and leaving people feeling very unwell in some cases.  It has certainly had a negative effect on some of our children and elderly, however, it is important for everyone to behave responsibly to avoid spreading the illness whilst they are unwell.

It is perfectly reasonable, once someone has been fever free for 24 hours, and when they feel better in themselves, to return to work, school or nursery.  Some individuals may still have residual symptoms of a cold - e.g. sound "bunged-up", but they are unlikely to be as infectious compared to when they have a high temperature, active cough, sneezing, muscle aches etc. You do not need to be 100% “symptom free” prior to returning to work or school but please be pragmatic and sensible in your response.”

Given the speed this cold has spread through the community, it is clear that basic advice regarding social distancing, hand washing and absenteeism when unwell, is not being implemented. Please remember to exercise good hygiene practices including washing your hands often and, if you sneeze or cough, do so into the crook of your arm or into a tissue that you then dispose of.