Barton Family Practice News – November 2024

We have noticed a surge in the number of covid infections in the practice population since the beginning of October. This is not altogether surprising, as there have been reports of a new, more infectious variant, coinciding with the onset of cold weather, when we naturally spend more time indoors close to each other. However, the UK Health Security Agency no longer conducts close surveillance of covid cases, and we are unable to give exact figures for our area. Whilst we are not aware of anyone being admitted to hospital because of covid so far, some people contacting the surgery have felt very unwell and have been unable to work. Contact the surgery for advice if you suspect covid. Test kits can be purchased from most chemists and online, and we will ask you to do a test before attending the surgery if your history suggests that you might have covid. Please wear a mask when you attend the surgery if you have a cough or ‘cold’ symptoms.

Covid vaccines provide good protection against severe disease and admission to hospital. People who are eligible for vaccination this autumn include adults aged 65 years and over, residents in a care home for older adults, individuals aged 6 months to 64 years in a clinical risk group such as the immunosuppressed and those with chronic respiratory, heart, kidney or liver disease, diabetes and all pregnant women. Also included are all frontline NHS and social care workers, and those working in care homes for older people.

It is also the season for influenza. We recommend that all eligible patients make an appointment for the flu vaccine. The eligibility for this autumn’s vaccination programme has not changed since last year.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is an infectious disease of the airways and lungs. It is less well known than other conditions such as influenza. RSV infection often causes symptoms such as a cough, sore throat, sneezing and a runny or blocked nose and can lead to pneumonia and other life-threatening conditions. Older adults are more at risk of serious complications from RSV and can be extremely ill because of the infection. Those aged 75 to 79 are eligible for the RSV vaccine to protect them from respiratory syncytial virus. Uptake of the virus in our practice is currently low, and we encourage all those eligible to get vaccinated.

Best wishes, as ever, from BFP.