The cause of an unprecedented global crisis, COVID-19 has become part of our daily lives like the flu and other respiratory viruses. It is therefore essential to regularly protect ourselves and those around us.
On 9 October 2024, WHO/Europe launches the “No one knows your risk better than you” campaign to encourage the public, and particularly vulnerable people, to assess risks and take protective measures simple against respiratory viruses. Although aimed at individuals, the campaign reminds that health authorities play a key role in protecting their populations, in particular by continuing to provide timely health information and advice.
Public health advice on COVID-19, influenza and other respiratory viruses
This fall and winter, as respiratory viruses circulate in countries across Europe and Central Asia, it is important to be aware of your risks and take steps to protect yourself and those who are most vulnerable.
While the flu and COVID-19 can affect everyone, they can cause serious illness in some of us, including seniors, pregnant women, people with weakened immune systems, and those with chronic illnesses. If you belong to one of these groups, make sure you are especially protected.
Here are 5 simple steps you can take to reduce your risk of getting sick and developing a serious illness:
- get vaccinated;
- stay home if sick;
- wear a mask in crowded places;
- wash your hands;
- ventilate your interior.
Vaccination remains essential if you have never had COVID-19 or have not yet been vaccinated, especially if you are at high risk. WHO/Europe advises getting vaccinated once the vaccine is offered. Wearing a mask in crowded places also remains recommended, especially if you are in a high-risk group for severe COVID-19, and to protect those around you.
To find out more about how to protect yourself against respiratory viruses, please consult the leaflet containing all the necessary information for this purpose.
The concept of the WHO/Europe campaign
The launch of the new WHO/Europe campaign comes at a pivotal moment in COVID-19’s long transition from an acute emergency to an ongoing risk. Taking into account societal lessons learned in this regard, it now extends to the prevention of respiratory diseases, making protection a normal part of daily life.
“This year’s campaign, ‘No one knows your risk better than you,’ encourages individuals to assess their personal risks and have confidence in their ability to make responsible choices for themselves and their communities,” explains Cristiana Salvi, regional advisor for risk communication, community mobilization and infodemic management at WHO/Europe.
The campaign’s call to action (Take care #LikeOnlyYouCan) encourages proactive health measures, promoting solidarity and community ownership. Targeted messages aimed at vulnerable groups remind them of the increased risks and the actions they can take to protect themselves, while the hashtag #LikeOnlyYouCan emphasizes personal decision-making, associating empowerment with responsibility.
Within the framework of this shared responsibility, the role of public authorities remains crucial. These must enable individuals to make informed decisions that protect their health and that of the most vulnerable members of society, and give them the means to act in this direction.
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