Importance of handwashing

Today the Scottish Government launched a campaign to remind people of the importance of handwashing in helping prevent the spread of infectious illness such as flu.

Cabinet Secretary for Health and Wellbeing Nicola Sturgeon today visited pupils at Edinburgh’s Preston Street Primary where she took part in a hand washing demonstration led by Mary Biscare, a member of NHS Lothian’s hand hygiene team.

Services for children were today reminded of the availability of the Scottish Government’s National Hand Hygiene Campaign Children’s pack. The pack is intended to help encourage young children to develop a lifelong habit of regular hand washing.

In addition the pack also contains information for children on the proper use of tissues and the importance of covering coughs and sneezes.

Education authorities have already been contacted by Scottish Government officials offering advice on seasonal flu and the new term.

Ms Sturgeon said:

“For the majority of healthy people, seasonal flu is an unpleasant but short-lived illness from which they make a full recovery. However for those at risk, contracting flu can have serious or even fatal consequences.

“That is why even seemingly simple things like practising good hand hygiene are so important. We are reinforcing this by reminding schools and nurseries that the online resource pack is available to them to use with pupils in the ongoing bid to keep seasonal flu at bay.

“Flu-like illnesses in Scotland remain at the levels normally expected at this time of year however we must remain vigilant. In addition there is no better protection for those in the at risk groups than vaccination and I continue to urge those eligible to come forward and get their jab."

Chief Medical Officer Dr Harry Burns said:

“As children return to school across the country it is vital that they understand the importance of covering their mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing, putting the tissue in the bin and then thoroughly washing their hands.

“We are currently experiencing a normal seasonal flu outbreak and there is no need for alarm but parents should remain vigilant and good hand hygiene is one of the most basic ways to protect both themselves and their child.”

SOSCN has promoted the handwashing pack in the past and we would encourage all out of school care services to access the information:

Hand Hygiene Children's Pack

People who are worried about flu like symptoms should contact their GP for advice or NHS 24 on 08454 24 24 24.