Thursday 10 November 2022
Five ways to protect under 5s this winter
This winter is the first for two years without any COVID-19 restrictions so you and your children might be more likely to pick up bugs and illnesses, such as flu and bronchiolitis.
The UK Health Security Agency has shared some great advice for families with children under five years old to help reduce the risk of infection.
With flu cases on the rise, this is a particularly important time to ensure your child gets the flu vaccine. Children who turned two or three before 31 August 2022 can have a quick, painless nasal spray vaccine to help protect them against flu and you can book it now at your GP surgery.
By getting your children vaccinated, it will not only help protect your child, but your family and friends too, including those who may be more vulnerable to serious illness from flu such as grandparents. It may also help you avoid having to take time off work or arrange alternative childcare as a result of your child getting flu.
All primary and some secondary school children will also be offered the nasal flu spray at school this winter. Look out for the consent form which your school will send you to complete.
It's Stress Awareness Week
Stress is the body's reaction to feeling threatened or under pressure. It affects people differently, and the things that cause stress will vary from person to person.
Stressful feelings typically happen when we feel we do not have the resources to manage the challenges we face. Pressure at work, school or home, illness, or difficult or sudden life events can all lead to stress.
Talkworks Devon offers free 'stress less' wellbeing workshops online which you can sign up to.
There are lots of tips for how to deal with stress on the Every Mind Matters website. You can also get a personalised mental health action plan to help you be kind to your mind.
Protect yourself and your baby from viruses
If you are pregnant, flu and COVID-19 can cause complications during your pregnancy that could harm you and your baby.
Vaccines offer the best protection against these dangerous viruses. For many years, the NHS has recommended that, if you are pregnant, you get vaccinated against flu to protect you and your baby from serious illness.
It is also recommended that you have a COVID-19 booster vaccination, if it is more than three months since your last dose.
Vaccination remains the best way to protect you and your baby and is recommended by the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and the Royal College of Midwives.
If you have questions about any of the vaccinations available to you during pregnancy, do speak to your midwife, GP team or pharmacist.
|