Universal hygiene rules

There are things we can all do to prevent the spread of contagious diseases such as flu, colds, bronchitis and other respiratory diseases.

Modes of transmission

The main two ways in which these viruses are transmitted are:

• airborne transmission:
  the virus spreads through the air when people cough, sneeze or spit.
  
  
• contact with a person carrying respiratory viruses:
  
  
  • through contact with hands contaminated by infected droplets or secretions (for example: when shaking the hand of an infected person),
  • or through physical contact with an infected person (for example, when hugging them),
  • or through contact with contaminated objects or surfaces (for example: toys, dummies, bottles, door handles, work plans etc.).

Basic hygiene rules

It is essential to remind the general pubic of the basic hygiene measures they should follow to limit the risk of spreading infections:

• Wash your hands for 30 seconds with soap and water, several times a day.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a paper tissue or your hand when coughing or sneezing, and then wash your hands immediately.
• Discard the tissue in the bin immediately after use.