Leicestershire GP urges washing with soap and water to slow flu spread

Effective hand washing minimises illness risk in general

When flu is present in the community, effective hand washing with soap and water is the best way to minimise the chances of contracting it – apart from vaccination – and it can also prevent the catching of other unpleasant winter illnesses, according to a recent report on the Loughborough Echo website.

The article by Pete Warrington focuses on advice given by health leaders in Leicestershire and Rutland.

“Hand washing with warm water and soap is the most effective and inexpensive way to prevent the spread of germs and infections. Studies show it lowers the transmission of flu, colds and diarrhoea, both at work and home as well as in NHS facilities.”

The story quotes Leicestershire GP Dr. James Ogle as saying

“Good hand hygiene is important not only in preventing colds and flu but it also helps to limit your exposure for other infections such as norovirus, which is also prevalent in winter.”

Washing hands properly for at least 20 seconds (the amount of time it takes to sing “Happy birthday” twice) is essential he advises and soap should be used he advised.

The importance of teaching appropriate hand washing techniques to children is also emphasised.

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Portable sinks for really effective hand washing on the move

TEAL produces an incredible range of mobile sinks and portable basins for every type of hand washing situation for use by anyone who needs to wash their hands effectively – including construction workers and engineers – who are out in the field on a daily basis.

There are vehicle mounted, wall mounted, mains powered and free standing hand wash stations as well as mobile sinks with pre-heated hot water.

The TEAL range of mobile sinks includes the MediWash, Hygienius and Hygienius ProWash, BigSynk, Super Stallette, TEALwash, Handeman Xtra, Compact Classic and WashStand.

How to choose the correct mobile sink »