This winter, your health is in your hands
Viruses including Norovirus, Rotavirus, colds and flu are widespread during the winter months. Fortunately, all of these infectious viruses can be prevented with one easy measure; clean hands.
Health expert Dr Rosemary Leonard explains, “This year many people may be more worried than usual about catching flu viruses. To protect yourself and your family from picking up or passing on germs and viruses it is important to be thorough about hygiene. Keep your hands clean and free from bacteria by frequently washing them with soap and water, and using an alcohol based hand disinfecting gel containing a minimum stated 60% alcohol or ethanol when you are out and about.
“Germs can lurk on hard surfaces and fabrics, so make sure your house and work area is kept as clean as possible by using anti-bacterial wipes and using an anti-bacterial fabric solution to remove any bacteria or germs that may have contaminated fabrics.”
A survey by hygiene expert Milton revealed that 1 in 10 people in the UK don’t wash their hands after going to the toilet. Norovirus and Rotavirus are the principle causes of gastroenteritis (diarrhoea and sickness) for adults and children and are spread by direct hand to hand contact, or by people leaving infected faeces on clothing, surfaces and utensils, because they have not cleaned their hands thoroughly after going to the toilet.
From October to April, colds, influenza and other winter viruses are likely to be a health concern, especially for pregnant women, infants, the elderly and the infirm.
“Coughs, colds and flu bugs leave you coughing, sneezing, with a blocked nose, sore throat, headache and a slight temperature. If these are the only symptoms you have, the best way to help your body recover is to keep warm, rested, and hydrated. If you sneeze remember to only use a tissue once and bin it immediately afterwards, then either wash your hands or use an alcohol based hand gel.”
Milton has a full range of clinically proven sterilising and antibacterial products specially formulated for use around the home, at work or on the go.
Dr Rosemary Leonard suggests some tips to keep the UK healthy during the winter, at home and on the go.
Keeping healthy at home
You are 80% more likely to get a cold in winter so boost your immune system with plenty of fruit and vegetables and foods that are a good source of zinc, such as beans, nuts and wholegrains.
Research shows sleep is essential to reduce your risk of catching a cold so make sure you get at least 8 hours per night. If you or your partner have a cold keep your bed a germ free zone by washing all bedding at 60 degrees, or alternatively use a special antibacterial liquid, such as Milton Antibacterial Fabric Solution, which kills germs at lower washing temperatures.
Stress can quickly undermine your immune system leaving you vulnerable to disease. Take time out to relax and enjoy life each day to keep your natural defences strong.
Germs can live for several hours on tissues and up to several days on hard surfaces. Don’t leave tissues lingering in wastepaper baskets and keep kitchen surfaces and dishcloths free from germs by using an anti-bacterial cleaner such as Milton’s Antibacterial Surface Spray or Surface Wipes.
Don't share towels used on hands and faces. Replace communal towels daily and run through the washing machine using an antibacterial fabric solution.
Avoid germs when on the go
Cold and flu viruses spread easily via our hands: by touching each other or an infected area, like a doorknob or a handrail. Stop these germs spreading by keeping an alcohol based disinfecting hand gel, such as Milton’s Antibacterial Hand Gel, on you when you’re out and about and use frequently, particularly before eating, or after going to the toilet.
Don’t let the short days and long, dark evenings stop you from exercising. Half an hour of gentle exercise every day keeps circulation working, oxygenates cells, increases lung capacity, releases mood-boosting endorphins and stirs up your lymphatic system.
Research has found computer keyboards can be home to more bacteria than a toilet! Colds get passed on very easily in offices via infected keyboards, desks and telephones. Keep your workspace clean by regularly using an anti-bacterial spray or wipe, such as Milton’s Antibacterial Surface Wipes
When using public transport follow 3 simple rules: cover your mouth with your hand if you sneeze, clean your hands with a disinfecting hand gel such as Milton Hand Gel immediately after. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth unless you are confident your hands are clean.
It’s tempting to fill up on stodgy food when it’s cold outside but make a healthy balanced meal a priority and always include fresh fruit and vegetables.
Milton has a full range of clinically proven sterilising and antibacterial products specially formulated for use around the home, at work or on the go. They can all be found on the Baby aisle of major supermarkets and pharmacies.
For further information about the Milton range visit milton-tm.com.
