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Hands being washed with text: What's your hygiene rating?'

All year round, colds, coughs, and viruses are with us, though they’re more common in colder months.

Having good hygiene habits helps to prevent you from spreading germs which can cause these types of infections.

See some hygiene facts and tips below and take a quiz to find out your hygiene rating.

Germs can spread many ways, including:

  • touching dirty hands
  • through water and food
  • through droplets in the air released during a cough or sneeze
  • on surfaces
  • through close contact with an unwell person.

Did you know?

  • There are between 2 to 10 million bacteria on your fingertips and elbows
  • Keeping hands clean can prevent 1 in 3 diarrheal illnesses and 1 in 5 respiratory infections, such as a cold or the flu
  • The number of germs on your fingertips doubles after you use the toilet
  • Research has shown there are more germs on your phone, keyboard and chopping board than on a toilet seat
  • When you sneeze, you shoot droplets with up to 100,000 bacteria and viruses into the air at 100 mph? And those droplets can stay in the air for up to 10 minutes.

Stop the spread

There are actions we can all take to help us stay well and avoid spreading infectious illnesses.

Protect yourself and others by:

  • Washing your hands regularly (you may wish to carry hand sanitiser when out and about)
  • Use a tissue, or cough and sneeze into your arm
  • If using tissues, dispose of them immediately and wash your hands
  • Consider wearing a face covering in crowded and enclosed spaces
  • Staying home and resting if you are unwell
  • Get your relevant vaccinations – whether it’s the winter flu jab, or your COVID-19 vaccine.