Respiratory advice

As we all learn to live with COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses, we encourage everyone to keep following simple steps to help keep themselves and others safe.

The simple ways to protect yourself and each other this summer are to:

• get your vaccine
• practice good hygiene
• let fresh air in
• protect and be kind to each other

Vaccination

Vaccination remains the best way to protect us all from severe disease and hospitalisation. If you have not yet come forward for your primary or booster jab we would urge you to do so straight away – the vaccine programme is there to help and the sooner you are vaccinated the sooner that you and your family and friends will be protected and can fully enjoy your summer.

Travelling on holiday this summer? Get up-to-date with your vaccinations

If you're planning on travelling outside the UK, consider getting your Covid vaccine if you have not done so already. Also check with your GP that your family are up-to-date with their vaccinations especially the FREE Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccination. You may come into contact with infections like measles while travelling this summer.

Practice good hygiene

Good hygiene is simple and effective. Remember to:

• cover your nose and mouth when you cough and sneeze
• wash your hands
• clean your surroundings

You can find out more about basic good hygiene here.

Let fresh air in

Meeting outdoors reduces the risk of spreading infections.

Remember to keep indoor spaces ventilated by opening windows.

Protect and be kind to each other

If you are unwell with respiratory symptoms, please stay at home and reduce contact with others.

Symptoms include:

• a cough – you may bring up mucus (phlegm)
• sneezing
• a stuffy or runny nose
• a sore throat
• headaches
• muscle aches
• breathlessness, tight chest or wheezing
• a high temperature

Face-coverings

Please be supportive of people who choose to wear a face-covering. It's sensible to wear one in crowded indoor spaces and near vulnerable people.

There is detailed guidance and information about living safely with respiratory infections, including COVID-19 on the GOV.UK website.