As part of Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) Week, NHS Lanarkshire is urging staff to stay vigilant when it comes to respiratory infections – and to watch out for three troublesome characters making their seasonal return.
Cunning Colin Covid-19, Isa Influenza and Raging Ronald RSV are back with their usual tricks — sneaking into care settings, evolving in new ways, and causing significant illness, particularly among vulnerable groups.
Each virus has its own “personality”, symptoms, and management approach — and recognising them early can help stop outbreaks before they start.
Meet the villains and their warning signs:
- Cunning Colin Covid-19 is a shapeshifter — persistent, tricky, and always adapting. He’s known for slipping past defences and appearing when people drop their guard. Look out for:
- New and continuous cough
- Fever
- Loss of taste or smell
- Isa Influenza is dramatic and unpredictable, always seeking attention and ready to make a bold entrance. She finds new ways to spread her charm and doesn’t stick to tradition. Look out for:
- Fever and cough
- Sore throat
- Stuffy or runny nose
- Headache, muscle aches and extreme fatigue
- Raging Ronald RSV is relentless and explosive. He thrives on chaos, causing intense inflammation and serious breathing problems. Once he takes hold, he’s hard to shift. Look out for:
- Cold-like symptoms that may escalate
- Severe respiratory issues including bronchiolitis or pneumonia
Joanne Kane, Infection Prevention and Control Nurse, said: “Respiratory viruses like Covid-19, flu and RSV are all serious threats – especially in our care settings. We want staff to think about these characters not just as a bit of fun, but as helpful reminders of what to look for and how quickly these viruses can spread.
“Early recognition and appropriate precautions – such as testing, isolating symptomatic patients and using the correct PPE – are key to protecting our patients and colleagues.”
For more information, visit the IPC pages on FirstPort.
