Winter is always the busiest time of the year for NHS staff so it is vital that you stay well and healthy and look after yourself properly.
As well as having the flu immunisation some other ways to do this include:
Colds: Always carry tissues and bin then as soon as possible when you have used them, as germs can live several hours. Wash your hands regularly. This destroys bugs that you may have picked up from touching surfaces used by other people such as light switches and handles. Patients too, are more likely to be sniffing and sneezing, so to avoid catching their germs it is well to remember these handy hints.
Norovirus: also known as the winter vomiting bug, is extremely infectious. If you do become ill with vomiting and diarrhoea, remember to let your manager know, drink plenty to avoid dehydration and stay away from work for 48 hours after you become symptom free. Stay away from others.
Eat healthily. Have a hearty breakfast, porridge is ideal and helps you to boost your intake of starch and fibre to give you more energy. It’s also important to maintain five portions of fruit and vegetables a day, even if the temptation when it’s cold is to fill up on comfort food. And don’t forget to drink more milk to make sure your immune system is in tip top condition.
Regular exercise: This improves the blood flow, strengthens the heart, helps beat the bulge and increases the feel-good hormone ‘endorphins’ that help lift our mood. This can be as simple as a lunchtime walk.
Remember your patients and colleagues need you, so try to stay well and use the services which are available to you. If you do become ill follow the local Attendance Management procedures and get help as early as possible.
