Wash hands to avoid colds and flu, say doctors.
Publication Date:24/09/2007
Introduction
With winter fast approaching, colds and flu will soon be on the increase. There is one easy way you can help protect yourself - by washing your hands regularly.
What do we know already?
Colds, coughs and flu are more common in the winter. That's because people spend more time indoors, and germs spread more easily in confined spaces. But there are things you can do to help stop germs spreading and protect yourself from catching them.
People don't just catch germs by breathing in droplets from the air, for example when someone sneezes. You can easily pick up a virus on your hands, for example from a handrail on public transport. The germs then get into your body when you rub your eyes, touch your mouth or prepare food without washing your hands first. This is the most common way of catching cold and flu viruses.
What does the new report say?
New advice from doctors has a checklist of simple things everyone can do to avoid catching colds and flu:
- Regularly wash your hands, especially before and after preparing food, and after using the toilet. Soap and hot water is fine, or try alcohol gel if it's more convenient. Dry them thoroughly.
- Make sure you clean surfaces, such as desks, kitchen worktops and tables, thoroughly and regularly. Cold and flu viruses can live two days on surfaces.
- Newspapers, lift buttons, door handles and computer keyboards are all potential sources of germs. Remember to wash your hands after touching things that might have other people's germs on them.
To avoid spreading germs around, if you have a cold or flu:
- Use disposable (paper) tissues and throw them away after use.
- Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze, to avoid spreading virus-laden droplets. Then wash your hands, so you don't wipe the germs onto surfaces that could infect other people.
Where does the report come from?
The report comes from the British Medical Association, which represents doctors in the UK.
What does this mean for me?
Everyone wants to avoid the discomfort of sore throats, running noses and aching muscles that comes with colds and flu. And this advice contains things everyone can do.
For most people, colds and flu are minor illnesses, however unwelcome. But older people (over 65) and those with certain long-term illnesses can become very unwell from colds and flu. It's especially important to protect yourself against germs if you are in one of these high risk groups, or to avoid spreading germs if you are caring for someone in a high risk group.
High risk groups include people with breathing problems (such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), heart disease or kidney disease, as well as anyone over 65 and anyone living in care homes. People in these groups are advised to have the flu vaccine every year. Most GP surgeries and some pharmacies will be offering the flu vaccine during the next few months.
What should I do now?
To avoid catching or spreading colds and flu, follow the checklist of advice above. If you want to be vaccinated against flu, and come into one of the high risk groups, ask your GP surgery for an appointment. If you don't come into one of the high risk groups, some private GPs and pharmacies offer the flu jab, but you may have to pay for it.
To find out more, see our information on the common cold, and flu.
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© BMJ Publishing Group Limited ("BMJ Group") 2007. All rights reserved
This information does not replace medical advice. If you are concerned you might have a medical problem please ask your Boots pharmacy team in your local Boots store, or see your doctor.
