I’m a doctor and these are the things you must not forget this Christmas
STAYING healthy at Christmas has never been more important.
This year has some extra challenges, as Omicron has arrived and means Brits must still be aware of some Covid rules.
TikTok doctor Karan Rajan has recorded a video urging the public to stay safe, and offering some tips to ensure they do.
Dr Rajan says: “It’s really important, especially as we will welcome more people into our homes over Christmas, to remember a few actions that will keep our friends and family safe.
“Simple things like opening windows to let in fresh air, wearing a face covering in enclosed public spaces, using lateral flow tests before meeting up with others, and testing if you have symptoms, not to mention getting your booster vaccine now make a huge difference and will ultimately reduce pressure on the NHS.
“Let’s stay safe this festive season.”
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His five tips to stay as safe as possible in the face of Omicron include:
- Testing before spending time in crowded and enclosed spaces or before visiting people at higher risk of severe illness if they catch COVID-19 and reporting the result
- Isolating and booking a PCR test if showing symptoms
- Wearing a face covering on public transport and in shops
- Opening windows to let fresh air in when friends and family are over
- Getting a Covid-19 booster vaccine if you are aged 18 and over
A booster shot is the best protection against Omicron, with early data suggesting it pushes efficacy back up to 75 per cent.
Dr Jenny Harries, UKHSA Chief Executive said: “Once again, we urge everyone who is able to get a booster jab to come forward and do so. It is the best defence we have against this highly transmissible new variant.”
The Sun is also urging readers to sign up to the Jabs Army campaign to make the rollout as smooth and fast as possible.
An army of vaccine ambassadors are stationed in major hubs across the country from Newcastle to Brighton to encourage people to get their lifesaving booster vaccine in the run up to Christmas.
A total of 750 armed forces personnel have been drafted in to support the deployment of booster vaccines across the UK.
Extra vaccine centres and pop-up sites have opened to make it as easy as possible for people to get vaccinated.
Over 30 million people across the UK have already received their top-up jab.
With the rate of infection doubling every two to three days, government and medical experts are urging people to come forward for their jab as soon as they are eligible, so they can protect themselves and their loved ones.
Sara Cox, a radio presenter who also features in the video, said: “For me, Christmas means a lot of preparation and a lot of fun; from digging out the decorations, gathering the last of the presents, to making the perfect playlist when guests come over.
“This year it’s even more important to make small additions to festive routines like opening windows and asking guests to test ahead of visiting to keep the people who you are welcoming into your home safe.
“I can’t wait to see friends and family at Christmas but making sure that I take all precautions to keep them safe from Covid-19 is my top priority and the perfect host.”
Experts have said it’s best to take a lateral flow hours before you are planning to go somewhere.
Keep your gatherings small, with the windows open and keep washing those hands.
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