Welcome to January 2025 Everyone 
My Message is to look after yourselves, each other and your loved ones. 
 
We all have been met at the start of 2025 with high winds, changeable weather conditions, possible lack of heat in patient homes, alongside the possible lack of ventilation. At present with the rise in Flu, Norovirus and Hospital admissions, we must all take responsibility for not passing on infection. In this newsletter I am concentrating on the prevention of viruses, coughs, colds and respiratory symptoms. 
 
Carers, please ensure you collect and wear masks where you need to, carry torches for key safes and will help you to see you are treading safely in unlit places, also hopefully help you stop slipping on uneven driveways and slippery surfaces. Carry de-icers in your car, wear appropriate clothing and, always have a bottle of water or juice in your car in case you get held up on blocked roadways. All hi viz jackets, coats, cardigans, masks, de-icers etc can be collected from the office. 
 
Keep an eye on your patients, make sure they are drinking enough and make hot drinks at all visits. Remember to leave water or juice between visits where they can reach and ensure they have a throw or an additional throw for warmth within their reach. 
 
If you encounter any odd, unsafe, electric fires please report to the office, watch dragging clothing near any unguarded heat for fire safety. 
 
In General 
Germs are a part of everyday life. Germs live in the air, soil, water and in and on our bodies. Some germs are helpful, others are harmful. 
An infection occurs when germs enter the body, increase in number and, the body reacts. Only a small portion of germs can cause infection. 
• Sources: places where infectious germs live (e.g., sinks, surfaces, human skin). 
• Susceptible person: someone who is not vaccinated or otherwise not immune. For example, a person with a weakened immune system who has a way for the germs to enter the body. 
• Transmission: The way germs move to the susceptible person. Germs depend on people, the environment and/or medical equipment, so use wipes to clean monitors, BP and SATS monitors. 
• There are people who have germs on or in their body but who do not have symptoms of an infection. These people can still transmit the germs they carry. 
Standard infection control precautions 
• hand hygiene. 
• respiratory and cough hygiene. 
• PPE. 
• safe management of care equipment. 
• safe management of the environment. 
• management of laundry. 
• management of blood and body fluid spills. 
• waste management. 
A person at a higher risk of catching or spreading infection, may include someone with a history of diarrhoea, current diarrhoea or vomiting, unexplained rash, fever or temperature, respiratory symptoms, such as coughing or sneezing. 
Peoples risk factors do vary but, mainly watch out for, unhealed wounds, pressure areas, breaks in the skin, invasive devices such as urinary catheters, some conditions or medicines that can weaken the immune system, environmental risk factors, such as poor ventilation, caused simply by trying to keep warm. 
 
All this said everyone we look forward to brighter and healthier days ahead. Try and be understanding and patient with each other, but basically please, just be nice. 
 
Best regards to everyone 
 
Brenda 
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