Global Handwashing Day Promotes The Use Of Soap And Water

Global Handwashing Day Promotes The Use Of Soap And Water

Soap and water and a clean pair of hands are the number one enemy of germs as a countywide push gets underway to help everyone keep well this winter.

Money, door handles, cash machines, toilets and phones are just a few of the many items touched or handled by people every day, all of which potentially carry germs.

Tuesday, October 15, is Global Handwashing Day to promote the simple message that handwashing with soap prevents disease.

Germs can be anywhere. Disease-causing germs enter the body when unwashed hands touch noses, mouths or eyes. It is also possible to make others sick by passing on germs to them.

Handwashing is one of the most important ways of controlling the spread of infections, especially those that cause diarrhoea and vomiting, and respiratory infections.

Public Health Warwickshire is reminding people that the simplest and one of the most effective ways to protect yourself and your family from colds, flu and tummy bugs this winter is by washing your hands after coughing or sneezing, after using the toilet, and before eating or handling food.

Here are some other top tips for staying germ free and stopping the spread of infections this winter:

• Get the flu jab. 1 in 3 people in Warwickshire are eligible for a free vaccine. Speak to your GP or pharmacist.
• If you do become unwell with a cold or flu, always carry a tissue to catch your cough or sneeze, dispose of your tissue as soon as possible, and then wash your hands - catch it, bin it, kill it.
• If you or a family member are unwell with vomiting and diarrhoea, make sure you regularly clean surfaces that are frequentlytouched, e.g. toilet handles, taps and sinks, light switches and door handles.
• Don't visit friends or relatives in hospitals or residential andnursing homes if you are unwell with a cold, flu or tummy bug.

Dr John Linnane, Director of Public Health Warwickshire says: "As winter approaches it is important for us to consider what we can do to prevent people in Warwickshire falling ill with Norovirus - the winter vomiting disease. It is a highly infectious and unpleasant illness, which causes outbreaks in our schools, and closures in our hospitals and care homes. Similarly, we know that flu causes serious illness and can be a killer.

"Help to stop the spread of infections this winter by washing your hands with soap and water."

Cllr Bob Stevens, Warwickshire County Council's Portfolio Holder for Health, says: "Something very simple like washing your hands regularly with soap and water can dramatically reduce your risk of getting ill. By people doing this we can hopefully make sure that we reduceoutbreaks of infections this winter."

For more information on how you can celebrate Global Handwashing Day visithttp://www.globalhandwashing.org/ or www.facebook.com/GlobalHandwashingDay

HPA 6 step handwashing technique:http://www.hpa.org.uk/webc/HPAwebFile/HPAweb_C/1194947384669