flu and the importance of hygiene
- Did you know that damp hands spread up 1,000 times more germs than dry hands?
- Did you know that washing your hands should take about as long as singing Happy Birthday twice?
Outbreaks of flu emphasise the importance of hand washing and drying. With the right washroom set-up it is easier to maintain good hand hygiene - and good protection.
Importance of hygiene
Hands are amazing tools. We use them almost all the time, and this makes them very exposed and vulnerable. For example, viruses can survive on common surfaces such as taps for up to 72 hours.
Washing and - equally importantly - drying your hands properly is essential in decreasing the risk of infection, particularly in public places. Cleaning frequently-touched surfaces is also important.
Click on the tabs above to learn more about how soap, paper hand towels and dispensers can help you maintain good hygiene and protect you from viruses such as flu.
When should you wash your hands?
Good hand hygiene is especially important when you are away from home. To prevent infection and cross-contamination you should wash your hands:
- After arriving at work
- Before meals or eating any food
- After visiting the toilet
- After sneezing
- Before preparing food
- Before and after visiting a sick person
- After arriving home
- When hands are visibly dirty
After washing and drying your hands
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth, to avoid cross-spread
- Be careful about close contact such as shaking hands or kissing people on the cheek, and avoid close contact with people who are sick
- Cough or sneeze against your sleeve or in a paper tissue that you throw in a wastepaper basket