What does your "atishoo" say about you?
At this time of year everyone at work is coughing or sneezing and everywhere you look at home there's a used tissue on the table. A new survey, commissioned by Dettol Anti-Bacterial Surface Cleanser, reveals the health implications of cold and flu etiquette in the UK and the true irritations that get up the nations noses during cold and flu season!
Topping the list of the most inconsiderate or revolting winter habits is commuters sneezing on public transport without covering their mouth or using a tissue (65%) followed by people coughing without covering their mouth (59%) then hocking up phlegm (49%). That means the trip to work is seen as a health gauntlet, dodging flying germs and avoiding sitting next to anyone who looks a little run down. But how many of us actually are guilty of these acts?
The survey revealed that over 50% of people in the UK with cold or flu admit to re-using old tissues - often reaching down the side of the sofa or rummaging in their handbag to find something to stop the "drip". One in five admitted to using something other than a tissue to wipe their nose after sneezing, a third sneeze into their hands and don't then wash them and 1 in 10 people use the backs of their hands or a sleeve to wipe their nose! Best not think where those hands may then go - into the fruit bowl, the office biscuit tin or even onto your child's face?
The importance of good cold and flu etiquette, apart from being polite, is to stop the spread of the cold and flu virus - which can live on surfaces for up to 48 hours! But more than 1 in 4 (28%) people admit they leave used tissues on surfaces, allowing germs to fester on places like the kitchen table where families eat daily. With this in mind, it's concerning that only 1 in 5 people claim they keep their home and work surfaces clean and sanitised as a prevention method used from getting cold and flu. A third even suggested they simply avoid those who are ill.
Commenting on this Dr Rob Hicks, GP and broadcaster says: "Cold and flu viruses not only spread through the air when you cough and sneeze, but also spread via your hands from surfaces such as door handles, telephones, and kitchen and work surfaces. So it's not always possible to avoid catching infections just by limiting contact with those who are unwell or through good tissue etiquette. Make sure to clean surfaces with a surface cleanser and wash your hands regularly to help prevent the spread of germs".
The survey revealed men have the better tissue etiquette over women!! They are twice as likely to throw tissues away straight after use. Meanwhile 1 in 10 women admitted to pocketing or putting tissues in their bag once using them and only throwing them away when they remembered!
To help prevent the spread of germs during cold and flu season, practice good hygiene habits throughout the home. Ensure surfaces are thoroughly cleaned, remember to wash hands regularly and throw tissues straight in the bin after use!
For more information on Dettol visit dettol.co.uk/missionforhealth.