Catch It, Kill It, Bin It – then wash!
The outbreak of Swine Flu has highlighted concerns about possible pandemics affecting us all and according to guidelines issued by Alan Johnson, Secretary of State for Health, washing your hands regularly is now the single most effective way of protecting the family.
Good hygiene habits are an important preventative in helping to stop the spread of common infections and diseases such as colds and flu. Washing with normal liquid soap and water removes bacteria and viruses from your hands and alcohol hand gels kill it on contact, giving added protection when you’re out and about.
Hand washing is advised before eating, on public transport, when using the bathroom, handling money, using door handles, and all the other things that make up our typical day.
Swine Flu facts
Swine flu is a respiratory disease caused by a virus that originated in pigs but with the ability to infect humans. There are many strains of the virus and the infection is constantly changing.
When any new strain of flu emerges that acquires the ability to pass from person to person, it is monitored very closely in case it has the potential to spark a global epidemic, or pandemic.
The World Health Organization has warned that swine flu could potentially trigger a global pandemic, and that the situation is serious.
The symptoms of swine flu in humans appear to be similar to those produced by standard, seasonal flu. These include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, chills and fatigue.
Protecting You and Your Family
Viruses can be spread from person to person – most likely through coughing and sneezing. This is why it is important to cover your face when you sneeze and throw away tissues after they’ve been used. Washing your hands afterwards can also help to stop the spread of illness. Carex has a wide variety of antibacterial hand washes, gels and wipes to suit your needs. These products are widely available in supermarkets and chemists.
How should you wash your hands?
Use warm, running water and a gentle antibacterial hand cleansing product.
Wash all surfaces thoroughly, including wrists, palms, backs of hands, fingers and under fingernails. Rub hands together for at least 10 to 15 seconds
For children, sing the following rhyme to the tune of Frere Jacques
Soap and Water
Soap and water
Wash your hands
Wash your hands
Rub them both together
Rub them both together
Wash them well
Wash them well
Make sure you rinse your hands thoroughly before drying completely.
Wash your hands before you...
- Prepare or eat food
- Treat a cut or a wound
Wash your hands after you...
- Use the bathroom
- Handle uncooked foods, particularly raw meat, poultry or fish
- Change your children's nappies
- Blow your nose, cough or sneeze
- Play with your pet animals
- Play/Work in the garden
- Take out the rubbish
The Carex Hands up for Hygiene pack for children can be downloaded free here