HALTON Borough Council has issued advice to residents amid fears of the spread of winter illnesses, as well as rising Covid-19 cases.

The council has urged anyone eligible to receive flu jabs, and booster vaccines, in order to keep illnesses that thrive in winter at bay.

Halton council also says that there are high numbers of scarlet fever - brought on by Strep A - that are becoming a cause for concern, too.

The borough's director of public health, Dr Ifeoma Onyia, said: "We all know that around this time of year, lots of children and adults suffer from colds and coughs.

"But this year, we’re also seeing high levels of flu which can be really nasty for children and even more serious for those who are already vulnerable.

“There are things we can all do to minimise the spread of infection in schools and other education and childcare settings. If your child is unwell and has a fever, you should keep them at home until they feel better and the fever has resolved."

Dr Onyia added: "You can also help children to learn about the importance of good hand hygiene.

"Practicing regular handwashing at home with soap and warm water and catching coughs and sneezes in tissues and then binning them are a simple way to help stop illness from spreading.

“Adults should also try to stay home when unwell and if you are poorly but do have to go out, you may want to consider wearing a face covering."

Children eligible for the flu vaccine include:

•          Children aged two and three on August 31, 2022

•          All primary school-aged children

•          Some secondary school-aged children

There are also clinics available in Halton for those people who need the flu or Covid-19 vaccination:

  • Co-op Old Town, Granville St, Runcorn, WA7 1NE - Saturday, January 14
  • Coffee afternoon, Beechwood Community Centre, WA7 3HB - Monday, January 16
  • Co-op, Upton Rocks, WA8 9BD - Friday, January 20
  • Brookvale Children’s Centre, WA7 6BJ - Monday, January 30