Somerset Forecast
Infections are often seasonal so please check back here regularly for the latest information regarding what's going on in Somerset
Acute Respiratory Tract Infections
An Acute Respiratory Tract Infection (RTI) is an acute infectious process affecting the upper and/or lower airways
- Disease ranges from mild to severe
- Spread from person to person
- Fever
- Rhinorrhea (runny nose)
- Sore throat and cough
- Limb or joint pain
- Headache
- Lethargy
- Chest pain and breathing difficulties
The most common cause of acute upper RTI are viruses such as rhinoviruses, coronavirus, influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
Lower respiratory tract infections are commonly caused by bacteria such as Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae. Infections with these organisms often occur secondarily to a viral infection as S. pneumoniae and H. influenzae are components of the normal upper respiratory tract flora.
All staff, including those who have previously been infected with or vaccinated against a specific respiratory pathogen, should use IP&C precautions for all patients to prevent cross contamination:
- Open windows to allow fresh air to circulate
- Decontaminate surfaces and furniture between patients:
- Clean environment daily
- Clean with detergent followed by disinfection with chlorine 1,000 ppm or combined product (Milton, Chlorclean, Actichlor Plus)
- Use clean colour coded cleaning equipment
- disposable colour coded cloths
- Launder mop heads (daily) or use disposable
- Consider cleaning needs electronic equipment (e.g. computers)
- Do not use fans
- Document on cleaning schedules
Further information
For information or advice about a health concern or a particular virus outbreak, its symptoms and how to reduce the spread, as well as how to access data for outbreaks, please visit the websites below:
