Preventing Infection Spread

These viruses are killed by washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water.

Where this isn't available, common cold, flu and covid viruses (but not norovirus/gastroenteritis) are killed by alcohol gel which is allowed to dry on your hands (i.e. don't rub it off to dry). Alcohol gel should contain at least 70% alcohol by volume, and it's worth noting that particularly in times of short supply it should only be bought from a reputable source, otherwise it may prove ineffective and/or toxic.

Surfaces may be disinfected with normal disinfectants that say they kill flu (not just bacteria), or with soapy water or with diluted bleach (follow the instructions). Clean commonly touched surfaces such as door handles and sink taps. If cleaning light switches take care not to get water inside for electrical safety - only use the most slightly damp cloth such as a kitchen towel with a slight spray on it, ensure pressing on the cloth won't allow water to run from it, and avoid the crack around the switch. It's best to ventilate the room well when using such products, especially sprays. Don't leave disinfectants where someone with dementia could access them, to prevent them being mistaken for drink.

Towels shouldn't be shared between people. The recommendation for times of infection is that towels and clothes should be washed at 60 degrees Centigrade (140 degrees Fahrenheit) with a bleach-based product. Wash your hands after touching unwashed items.

Wearing a suitable face covering will reduce both your chance of catching and of spreading the virus (according to latest studies). Face coverings are unlikely to be suitable for someone with dementia as they'll be confusing or alarming, although if you're attending a health centre with them you may be able to help them use one, explaining and reassuring as you go.

Ventilating a room also helps when other people use the room - aiming for just a little air movement and change, without needing to have a major draught. Without ventilation any infective particles can stay in the air for 2 hours after someone else has visited. Make sure the room doesn't become cold (you may need to turn the heating up at the same time), and make sure an open window doesn't invite burglars (modern windows have a position where they can be fixed slightly ajar but not opened from the outside, or for old-style windows consider installing a 'window limiter' / 'window restrictor').

Breathing through your nose, rather than an open mouth, also reduces the risk of catching the virus. Not only is there a physical filtration effect, there's also a chemical effect from nitric oxide produced in the nasal system. (It also pre-heats and moistens the air, which is good for your lungs in any case.)

An annual flu vaccination is strongly advised for old folks, and in the UK is offered to them automatically by the NHS.

Covid booster vaccinations are strongly advised, when offered.

Information on flu is given on the NHS website Health A-Z for flu.

Information on coronavirus is given on the NHS website Health A-Z for coronavirus.

The precautions to prevent spread of flu should be followed, noting the following differences:

• For hand washing, norovirus is not killed by alcohol gel - soap and water must be used (some sources say alcohol gel has some effect, but doesn't eliminate the virus).
• Norovirus can live on surfaces for several weeks. Disinfection of these surfaces is therefore extremely important.

Also see our note below regarding the risk of someone with norovirus using face masks.

Care should be taken when cleaning up vomit or diarrhoea. Other people should avoid eating in the area where this has recently occurred and likewise as far as reasonable avoid spending time in the area.

To reduce the risk of spreading airborne particles when flushing the toilet, it's best to put the lid down before flushing and wait a minute after flushing before lifting it again (but don't forget to lift it!).

A face covering would present an unacceptable choking risk if vomiting is likely to occur, and so is unsuitable for someone with dementia or low arm mobility who wouldn't be able to take it off. It might be expected that carers would benefit from wearing a face covering, though.

Thankfully the effects of the disease usually only last 1-3 days, but it should be noted that a person who's recovered can potentially remain infectious for much longer. Also remember that norovirus can live on surfaces for several weeks if not disinfected.

Vomiting or diarrhoea can cause dehydration, so it's important to keep up an adequate intake of drink. See our note on risk of dehydration.

Information on norovirus is given on the NHS website Health A-Z for norovirus.