Preventing infection

The virus is spread through close contact and breathing in droplets from an infected person. Droplets can be spread via the air or on surfaces and are caused by coughing, sneezing or even talking.

Most people will no longer be infectious after five days but can remain infectious for up to 10. To help prevent infection, it is important to:

• Wash the hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
• Use hand sanitizer on a regular basis during the day
• If hands are unclean, it is best to avoid touching the eyes, nose or mouth.

Though in the UK there are no longer any Covid-19 restrictions, those concerned may want to take further measures to prevent infection. Equally, for those who have a positive Covid-19 test or have symptoms of Covid and want to take steps to avoid passing the infection on to others, pharmacy teams can recommend the following:

• Meeting others outside or opening windows and doors if inside
• Staying two metres away from others
• Working from home
• Wearing a face covering
• Asking others to take a rapid lateral flow test prior to meeting
• Covering nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing
• Cleaning surfaces on a regular basis, such as door handles
• Avoiding crowded places, especially indoor places such as public transport
• Wearing a face covering
• Making healthcare professionals aware if attending an in-person appointment.