NIPCM

January continues to be a busy time for health and care services, with seasonal viruses like flu, COVID-19, and norovirus still circulating widely. Simple infection prevention steps can make a big difference in keeping patients, residents, and colleagues safe.

Key reminders for Winter infection prevention:

• Hand hygiene: Clean your hands regularly and encourage others to do the same.
• Respiratory hygiene: Catch coughs and sneezes, dispose of tissues, and clean hands immediately.
• Stay home if unwell: Follow return-to-work guidance if you have symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhoea, fever, or a new cough.
• Environmental cleaning: Pay extra attention to high-touch surfaces to reduce spread.
• Outbreak reporting: Early reporting and action can help stop outbreaks before they spread.

Useful links:

• National Infection Prevention and Control Manual: Respiratory infections - key steps to stop the spread poster
• National Infection Prevention and Control Manual: Norovirus - key steps to help stop the spread of infection poster

How you can help

• Share campaign resources widely across your local networks for example via news bulletins and communication channels.
• Use the materials provided to raise awareness among staff for example posters, newsletters, infographics, email signatures.
• Encourage staff to access the Winter preparedness Campaign webpage.