The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued a timely reminder for Brits: adhere to a 20-second handwashing rule to curb the spread of COVID-19. This guidance forms part of a broader call for maintaining “simple” yet effective hygiene practices.

This advisory coincides with the UKHSA’s assertion that now is a particularly crucial moment to exercise caution. In a post on the social media platform X, the agency noted, “Winter doesn’t just bring holiday festivities; it’s also when respiratory illnesses like flu and COVID-19 tend to surge due to the colder weather.”

According to a statement on the Government’s website, as the days grow colder and people gear up for more indoor gatherings and social events, it’s essential to revisit guidelines on vaccination, isolation, respiratory etiquette, mask-wearing, and other preventive measures. These behaviors can help mitigate the spread of respiratory infections, which are known to peak during autumn and winter.

The UKHSA has raised concerns about an early start to the flu season this year and the appearance of the influenza A(H3N2) strain, which has triggered some alarm.

To help people protect themselves, the agency outlined some straightforward safety measures.

They stated, “Here is a list of simple actions you can take to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and other respiratory infections, safeguarding those most at risk.”

Among the recommendations was the advice to “wash your hands frequently with warm, soapy water for 20 seconds”.

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Other steps were:

• Get vaccinated if you are eligible
• If you are feeling unwell, stay at home
• Let fresh air in if meeting others indoors
• Cough into your bent elbow, or use a tissue and dispose of it afterwards in the nearest bin
• Clean your surroundings often, especially areas that are touched frequently such as door handles

It also recommended wearing a mask in two scenarios:

• When you are coming into close contact with someone at higher risk of becoming seriously unwell from a respiratory infection
• When there are a lot of respiratory viruses circulating, and you will be in close contact with other people in crowded and enclosed spaces

Vaccines

Certaim people are eligible for a flu and/or Covid vaccine. The UKHSA said: “Early data from UKHSA rapidly assessed how well this season’s flu vaccines are working.

“This showed the flu vaccines are providing good protection against hospitalisation in children and adults. There are currently no changes to the advice on what to do if you have, or think you may have COVID-19, influenza (flu) or any other respiratory infection. 

“Vaccines help protect those most vulnerable from developing serious illness and being hospitalized and we strongly encourage all those eligible to get vaccinated against flu as soon as possible – vaccines remain our best defence.”

You could get a flu vaccine on the NHS if you:

• Are aged 65 or over (including those who will be 65 by 31 March 2026)
• Have certain long-term health conditions
• Are pregnant
• Live in a care home
• Are the main carer for an older or disabled person, or receive a carer’s allowance
• Live with someone who has a weakened immune system

Frontline health and social care workers can also get a flu vaccine through their employer.

You can get the winter COVID-19 vaccine if you:

• Are aged 75 or over (including those who will be 75 by 31 January 2026)
• Are aged six months to 74 years and have a weakened immune system because of a health condition or treatment
• Live in a care home for older adults

For more information on the vaccines, visit the NHS website here.