Hand washing call issued as NHS prepares for winter battle

Soap and water will play a key role over the coming months

The NHS is under a huge amount of pressure – and has been for some considerable time. As colder temperatures begin to take hold, the situation can only become even more challenging,?“which is why we all need to play our part in protecting ourselves and each other”, according to a recent report on the?Lincolnite website.

The article by the Director of Nursing at?United Lincolnshire Hospitals Trust?(ULHT), warns of the usual onset of flu and norovirus that will exacerbate the problems caused by the ongoing COVID pandemic.

Effective soap and water hand washing – properly undertaken at the right times and for the correct duration – are crucial, advises Dr Karen Dunderdale, Director of Nursing/Deputy CEO and Director of Infection Prevention and Control at ULHT.

She begins with a focus on the highly contagious “winter vomiting bug” norovirus, which is easily spread by close contact, eating food prepared by an infected person, or by touching infected surfaces. And with this particular illness, hand gels are not a suitable way of initiating control.

“Washing your hands frequently with soap and water is the best way to stop it spreading. Alcohol hand gels do not kill norovirus.”

Keeping flu at bay with effective hand washing

Flu is also highly infectious, and the approach for minimising its spread of flu is broadly similar, writes Dr Dunderdale.

“To reduce the risk of spreading flu ensure you wash your hands often with warm water and soap and use tissues to trap germs when you cough or sneeze then bin used tissues as quickly as possible.”

Hand washing is equally important in the battle against COVID says the report. Dr Dunderdale reiterates that hand washing should occur?“frequently”?– and in particular?“after using the toilet and before preparing food.”

Karen Dunderdale: NHS prepares to battle flu, norovirus and COVID ?