Protect yourself from the ‘quadruple-demic’ this winter

There’s lots to look forward to in December – Christmas parties, quality time with family, festive food and time off work. However, it sadly won’t be all fun and games for everyone this winter as Britain braces itself for a so-called ‘quadruple-demic’. Read on as the health experts at YourGP reveal what it means and what you can do to protect yourself.

The big four to look out for

Wintertime usually brings with it a fair share of coughs, colds and sniffles. A combination of sneezing, headaches, blocked nose, sore throat and tickly coughs may be unpleasant, but the common cold is not something that a few days rest and plenty of fluids can’t fix.

However, there are a few more serious infections we all need to be aware of this winter and they are flu, covid, RSV and norovirus. Together, they’re being dubbed the ‘quadruple-demic’.

Fighting the flu

Someone fighting the flu can typically expect to be out for action for around seven days as they battle symptoms such as a high temperature, tiredness, body aches, dry cough, sore throat and headache.

However, for some people the flu virus can be much more serious. In fact, Every year, the flu virus kills 11,000 people and hospitalises thousands more. Flu can make chronic medical problems worse and it can trigger an extreme inflammatory response in the body and lead to sepsis.

Those most at risk include pregnant women, people with pre-existing long term medical conditions e.g., COPD, asthma, heart and kidney problems, and those with lowered immunity due to disease or medication e.g., long term steroids and chemotherapy.

The best way to protect yourself is to get your flu vaccine and it is essential that you do this every year. That’s because the flu virus continually mutates. Current vaccines provide protection against four strains of the flu virus that are expected to be the most common this season.

Catching covid this Christmas

The 2020 pandemic threw the world into chaos and despite vaccinations proving to be hugely beneficial in terms of helping to control its spread and effects, covid still continues to mutate and infect.

Although testing for covid is no longer required, many people choose to do so to reduce their risk of passing it on to others. You can also reduce the risk by avoiding crowded public places, wearing a face mask when out and about, opening windows in shared spaces, coughing and sneezing into tissues and discarding them immediately, and washing your hands regularly.

In addition to all of the above, it is essential that you stay up to date with any covid vaccinations and boosters.

RSV is on the rise

According to data released by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), cases of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are rising, particularly amongst those aged five and under.

Symptoms of RSV are similar to a cold in that it usually causes a runny or blocked nose, a cough, sneezing, tiredness and a high temperature. However, RSV has the potential to cause more serious problems such as pneumonia or bronchiolitis.

To reduce your chance of spreading RSV, it is important that you wash your hands regularly and avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Keep newborn babies away from anyone displaying symptoms of the cold, and clean toys and surfaces thoroughly.

Pregnant women can also choose to have the RSV vaccine from 28 weeks of pregnancy to help protect their baby.

Say no to norovirus

Rates of norovirus, also known as the winter vomiting bug, usually increase as we head into winter, and this year they have risen earlier than usual. Typical symptoms include feeling sick, vomiting and diarrhoea, and you may also have a high temperature, headache, and aching arms and legs.

Although highly unpleasant, most people recover in two to three days with the help of plenty of rest and fluids. During this time it is important that you wash your hands thoroughly and regularly with soap and water, stay off work until you have not been sick or had diarrhoea for at least two days, avoid visiting hospitals and care homes, and do not prepare food for others.

Look after yourself this winter

If you would like more help and advice on how to protect yourself from the quadruple-demic and safeguard the health of your family this winter, book your appointment using our simple online booking system, email reception@your.gp, or call us on 0131 225 5656 and we’ll be happy to arrange an appointment at a time that suits you.