How to keep well

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There are simple actions we can all take to stay well and protect our health. This includes taking regular exercise and eating healthy. We can also protect ourselves from becoming unwell by adopting the safe behaviours listed below.

Safe behaviour advice

  • Take up vaccinations when they’re offered to you or your children. This reduces the risk of getting seriously ill and of spreading infections to others. Vaccinations are offered at specific times in childhood or adulthood to provide the best protection. You may also be eligible for seasonal vaccinations, like the flu vaccine. More information on vaccines and when to have them is available: NHS vaccinations and when to have them - NHS (www.nhs.uk)
  • Wash your hands regularly for 20 seconds or more
  • Let in fresh air when indoors – opening windows for just a few minutes can reduce your risk of catching or spreading viruses
  • Cover coughs and sneezes – remember "Catch it, Bin it, Kill it", or sneeze and cough into elbows if you don’t have a tissue
  • Consider wearing a face covering in crowded and enclosed spaces, especially where you come into contact with people you do not usually meet
  • If you can, stay at home if you feel unwell, and avoid contact with others.

Find further information on safe behaviours in the following guidance: living safely with respiratory infections, including COVID-19 and guidance on how to reduce the spread of infection.

For additional information on how to stay well in winter or in hot weather, please visit the NHS pages below:

Seasonal vaccinations and winter health - NHS (www.nhs.uk)
Heatwave: how to cope in hot weather - NHS (www.nhs.uk)

Screening

The NHS also provides services for people of different ages to undergo screening for health conditions. Screening is a way to identify whether you might be more at risk of developing a health condition and can help you make informed decisions about early treatment.

For a closer look at the various screening programmes provided by the NHS, please visit: NHS screening - NHS (www.nhs.uk)

Advice

Updates for care providers