How Care Workers Can Prepare for Flu Season

As flu season approaches, care workers play an important role in protecting themselves and the people they support. A few simple preparations can help reduce the spread of flu and keep everyone safer.

Follow good hand hygiene

Wash your hands regularly with soap and water, particularly before and after providing care, preparing food, or assisting with personal care. Alcohol-based hand sanitiser can also be useful when handwashing facilities aren’t immediately available.

Keep infection-control routines consistent

Clean frequently touched surfaces and shared equipment regularly, following your workplace’s infection-control procedures. Encourage good respiratory hygiene by covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your elbow and disposing of used tissues promptly.

Know what to do if someone becomes unwell

Be familiar with your organisation’s procedures for managing flu symptoms and reporting illness. If you develop flu-like symptoms, follow your employer’s guidance and avoid providing care while unwell where required.

Look after yourself

Flu season can be demanding, so remember to take breaks, stay hydrated and get enough rest. Looking after your own health helps you provide safe, compassionate care to others. If you feel too unwell for your shifts, please let us know as soon as possible so we can cover you.

Being prepared makes a difference. By following good hygiene practices, staying informed and working together, care workers can help reduce the spread of flu and protect some of the people most at risk from complications.