Health experts in Great Yarmouth and Waveney are urging people to protect themselves and their families from illness by washing their hands regularly with soap and water. 

The call comes from HealthEast, the clinical commissioning group for Great Yarmouth and Waveney, in the run up to global handwashing day, which takes place on Tuesday 15 October.

The international event aims to raise awareness of the impact which simple measures, such as washing your hands regularly with soap and water, can have on reducing the spread of illnesses such as norovirus, flu and tummy bugs.

Cath Gorman, director of quality and safety with HealthEast, said: “We’re using global handwashing day to remind everyone of the importance of good hand hygiene and the role it can play in reducing illness.

“It’s particularly important for parents to teach their children to wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water before eating and after using the toilet. By making this an engrained habit, they can help protect themselves and other members of their family against diarrhoea and respiratory diseases, as well as illnesses like norovirus.

“Not only is using soap and warm water very effective, but it is also inexpensive and convenient, and acts like a DIY vaccine against a number of nasty illnesses.

“This is also a good time to think about whether you or a member of your family needs a flu vaccination. Please talk to your general practice if you need any advice.”

For more advice on handwashing, visit www.greatyarmouthandwaveneyccg.nhs.uk and click on “your services” and “germbusters toolkit”.

For more information on global handwashing day, visit www.globalhandwashingday.org

 

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