A warning has been issued for anyone heading out to a Christmas party this month.
With many people getting into the festive spirit, Christmas parties are likely to be booked as early celebrations kick in. But people are being urged to rely on their "personal judgement".
As virus infections rise across the UK, concerns have been raised about the growing number of flu cases, covid, respiratory syncytial virus and Strep A. One council is warning those thinking of attending work events and urging people not to attend if they show any symptom of an infection.
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Latest figures for St Helens (through the Office of National Statistics) showed that in the week ending November 21 there were approximately 3,000 new confirmed cases of Covid-19 in the borough. In addition, overall flu vaccination uptake rates in the borough are currently lower than last year.
Councillor Anthony Burns, St Helens Borough Council Cabinet Member for Wellbeing, Culture and Heritage said: "This year will give many people the chance to attend Christmas parties without any restrictions in place for the first time but the potential for infections such as Covid-19 and flu being passed on remains as high as before. So it's important that we all take extra care in the run up to the Christmas period and think of others first.
"If you're thinking of attending a Christmas party in the next few days do be aware that any infection you may have can easily be passed onto others so if you do display any symptoms please think safe and stay at home."
If you do have a temperature, new cough, diarrhoea, vomiting that could be due to an infection or a 'bumpy' rash, seek medical help as appropriate and try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people. Those with mild symptoms such as a runny nose, mild sore throat, aches and loss of appetite are urged to also stay away.
Mild symptoms could be more severe in people who are more vulnerable to serious illness such as the young, old and those with underlying health conditions so do take precautions not to pass it on.
Ruth du Plessis, Director of Public Health at St Helens Borough Council, said: "This year many people in the borough will be attending Christmas events with work colleagues without formal testing in place and thus it is much more about people using their personal judgement on whether they should go if they feel unwell.
"While we do want to people to enjoy themselves the risk of either catching or passing on severe infections remains very high. New cases of both Covid-19 and flu in the borough are still at a high level and this poses a particular threat to more vulnerable residents.
"If you are thinking of heading out for Christmas work events do be aware of any symptoms of infection and if you show any please think of others and avoid setting off. It is the best way to protect yourself and other work colleagues as we approach the main Christmas period itself."
If you are not well and have symptoms of an infection you can visit here.
Ruth added: "We would also encourage people at this time to come forward for their Covid-19 and flu vaccinations if they can. With us now moving into the coldest winter months it is the best protection we can have against these viruses and other infections."
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