Simple Hygiene Habits Key To Protecting Most Vulnerable

During the pandemic, it was the hygiene habits people returned to that reduced the risk of people becoming ill and spreading the virus.

Residents are urged to continue these practices to reduce the risk of becoming ill and spreading COVID-19 and the flu viruses.

They are simple things like staying home when you’re unwell, keeping away from others who are sick, regular handwashing, using hand sanitiser, and covering coughs and sneezes and they can help protect your own health and stop the spread of germs.

Senior Manager of Primary Care Engagement, Andrew Heap from Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network (MPHN) said it was easy to become complacent when so much of our lives have returned to normal.

“Our community did really well adopting healthy hygiene habits during the peak of those early COVID years,” Mr Heap said.

“It’s still equally important in 2023 to keep those habits up because, while you might be able to recover from the flu in a few days you may, without meaning to, spread it to the more vulnerable people around you.”

Community members most at risk from influenza include children aged between six months and five years, pregnant women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with underlying medical conditions, and people over 65 years.

It’s difficult to predict who will catch influenza or who will become seriously ill.

The flu can require hospitalisation and can even be fatal.

“Getting your flu vaccination and COVID boosters is always the first step,” Mr Heap said.

“Then at all times of the year, and particularly when it’s colder and we’re all indoors more often, keep up your healthy hygiene habits every day and you’ll be playing your part in keeping our community as safe and healthy as possible.”

Visit www.healthdirect.gov.au for more information or contact your pharmacist.

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• Health & Wellness