Over winter we naturally spend more time indoors. It’s no coincidence that it’s the season when more respiratory viruses are passed on.

We know that coronavirus is an airborne virus. When an infected person coughs, sneezes, speaks and breathes, droplets of the virus hang in the air and can easily infect others.

To help protect everyone in the household, it’s important to maintain a flow of fresh air.

This helps to remove stale air and dilutes any virus particles that are in the air, reducing the risk of Covid spread.

Tips to keep your home well-ventilated:

• Open windows and doors regularly to allow a flow of fresh air

• Air rooms both before and immediately after you’ve had visitors, or when several generations of the family are gathered together

• Ensure small vents at the top of windows, or grilles, are open and not blocked – air coming in through these vents will mix with warmer room air as it enters, which helps keep the room at a comfortable temperature

• Dress to keep warm – an extra layer means you’re less likely to feel a drop in temperature.

Laura Wharton, consultant in public health at Blackburn with Darwen Council, said: “We know that in poorly ventilated rooms the amount of virus in the air can build up, increasing the risk of spreading not only Covid-19, but also colds and flu, if there are infected people in the room.

“Viruses can remain in the air after an infected person has left, but regularly opening doors and windows definitely helps to dilute virus particles and replace stale air with fresh air.

“This is very simple advice but it can help to make the difference between someone catching Covid from an infected person and someone staying safe and well – and this is something we all need to be alert to given how easily the Omicron variant has been spreading.”

Keeping our homes well-ventilated is one simple thing we can all do to protect others and avoid more people becoming infected with Covid.

• Wear face coverings in public indoor areas as required, and in busy, crowded places

• Washing our hands regularly and carrying hand sanitiser when we go out

• Taking regular rapid tests, particularly before mixing with others

• Getting fully vaccinated against Covid – including the booster dose which is available to all over 18s who have already has two doses of the Covid vaccine.

Find more info about keeping our homes well ventilated to prevent the spread of Covid on the Council website: www.blackburn.gov.uk/coronavirus/support-residents