Help stop the spread of winter bugs!

December 31, 2024

There’s been a rise in cases of flu and stomach bugs across our hospitals in Gloucestershire and in the wider community. We know there are some nasty bugs around and we need your help to keep our vulnerable patients and our NHS staff protected.

If you’re feeling ill with sickness, diarrhoea or flu please don’t visit our hospitals until you are symptom free. Together we can minimise the spread of these bugs and stop others getting poorly.

Please only attend the two Emergency Departments (A&E) if it’s a medical emergency or serious injury.

Get advice on your healthcare options at NHS 111.

111 can book you into local services if needed #clickorcallfirst

Nobody wants to start the New Year with flu, a tummy bug or diarrhoea. However, if you do get poorly, there are a few simple things you can do to help prevent the spread of nasty bugs and viruses.

  • Catch it, kill it, bin it. Make sure you sneeze into a tissue and pop it in the bin straight away.
  • Wash your hands often and thoroughly with soap and warm water, especially after using the bathroom or before eating. Remember hand sanitiser doesn’t kill all bugs.
  • Clean surfaces regularly and wash any soiled bedding or clothing at 60 degrees to get rid of germs.
  • Rest and recover at home. If you catch a vomiting bug make sure you stay home for 48 hours after the symptoms stop, don’t go to work or school.
  • Don’t prepare food for others if you have stomach bug symptoms.
  • If you need medical advice, 111 can provide advice on your healthcare options and book you into local services if required.
Pharmacies can give treatment advice and recommend flu remedies if you need it.
If your local pharmacy is shut on New Year’s Day you can find one near you: https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/pharmacy/find-a-pharmacy

Let’s keep each other safe!

HPV and school-based vaccination community clinics

HPV and school-based vaccination community clinics

Our School Aged Immunisation team is currently delivering the human papillomavirus (HPV) immunisation programme in Gloucestershire schools to all children in Year 8, and students in Years 9, 10 and 11 who have not previously taken up the offer.

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Community blood pressure and health checks

Our Community Outreach Vaccination and Health team, together with our One Gloucestershire health and care partners, are supporting the Blood Pressure UK campaign, ‘Know Your Numbers’, all year round, in a bid to reduce heart attacks and stroke.

Macmillan Next Steps launches first in podcast series

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Our team at Macmillan Next Steps has recorded the first in what will be a new series of podcasts. In episode one, ‘Returning to Work After Cancer’, Macmillan Next Steps’ Katie Clive talks with Lisa about the physical and psychological challenges she faced when returning to work following her cancer diagnosis and treatment.

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