A GP has shared a list of items every household should have.
A GP has shared a list of items people may want to stock up on as respiratory illnesses begin to circulate. Covid infections have risen to “medium levels” according to the UK Health Security Agency and the number of patients in hospital with the virus has risen by 69% in a month.
Cases of respiratory viruses are expected to continue rising as colder weather sets in and people spend more time indoors. Now Dr Roger Henderson, a GP and spokesperson for Olbas, urged people to be prepared.
He said: “Stock up on basics like paracetamol or ibuprofen, tissues, lozenges, cough syrup, natural decongestants, rehydration salts, and a thermometer.
Small steps can help you be prepared as Covid levels rise (Image: Getty)
“Make sure you’ve got hand soap, hand gel, and some masks if someone gets sick and if you can, try to have a good airflow at home (open a window for a short time or use an air filter).
“Try to plan ahead for being able to get food or medicine should you need to stay at home if you are unwell.”
The NHS is appealing for everyone eligible to come forward for vaccination, which can take around a fortnight to fully boost protection.
Beyond vaccines, Dr Henderson recommended some other simple steps to reduce your risk of catching a virus:
- Keep rooms aired out.
- Wash hands regularly.
- Cover coughs and sneezes.
- Wear a mask in crowded indoor places if you want extra protection.
- Stay home if you feel unwell.
Dr Henderson added: “Together, these small steps really cut down the spread of colds, flu, and Covid.”
The dominant variant in the UK is now XFG, or Stratus. The UK Health Security Agency confirmed last week that symptoms associated with Covid have changed over time.
It said: “Today, many people now experience cold-like symptoms and some will also experience fever or chills, continuous cough, shortness of breath, tiredness, body aches, headache, sore throat, blocked nose, loss of appetite, nausea, diarrhoea, or change in sense of taste or smell.
“Some people report a hoarse voice or a particularly painful sore throat, associated with the latest variants. This has been referred to in the media as ‘razor-blade throat’.”
