Don't Let Standards Slip This Christmas
More than half of the UK population will be recovering after Christmas parties on Saturday 19th December, leaving them especially vulnerable to picking up an infection such as seasonal or swine flu.
However, while this should be a time for extra vigilance, the research, conducted on behalf of Boots, also revealed that one in ten people admit they are more lax about general hygiene practices when they are suffering with a hangover.
In addition to the risk of injury, violent behaviour, liver disease and looking a fool in front of your friends, overdoing it on alcohol may pose additional risks to one’s health.
While we may be at risk of picking up a viral infection such as swine or seasonal flu at any time, lack of sleep, dehydration, and a less-than-perfect state of overall health may mean our immune system is weakened and less able to cope with invading germs.
Remembering the basic hygiene rules may seem like a bit of a chore, especially when hungover, but a little effort goes a long way in helping protect you and those around you from infections such as seasonal and swine flu.
Preventing the spread of germs is the single most effective way to slow the spread of diseases like swine flu. So here is a guide to the basic precautions we should all be taking to help limit the spread of germs.
When you cough or sneeze, you send tiny germ-filled droplets into the air which can then be breathed in by others or settle on hard surfaces, contaminating the area for up to 24 hours. You can help stop the spread of germs by following these three simple rules:
- Cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze or cough. Preferably use a tissue and dispose of it in a bin quickly.
- Clean your hands and surfaces which may harbour germs, such as kitchen worktops, door handles and telephones often - always wash hands before you eat or prepare food, and after you use the bathroom or ‘catch’ a sneeze or cough.
-Avoiding touching your eyes, nose or mouth since these are where the flu germs picked up contaminated surfaces can enter the body.
Flu Fact:
A quarter of the population (24 per cent) believe that there are no precautions that can be taken to avoid catching swine flu.
Coming Clean…
- Research shows that, although people claim not to have changed their hygiene habits in the wake of the swine flu publicity, they do appear to be more aware of germs.
-An estimated 26 million UK adults have purchased antibacterial hand wash in the last 12 months.
-Men are less concerned about germs and bacteria than women.
Flu Fact:
Around two thirds (62 per cent) of UK adults know at least one person who has been diagnosed with swine flu.
These everyday steps may help to protect you from respiratory illnesses like swine and seasonal flu:
- Always carry tissues with you
-Try to stay in good general health
- Try to get plenty of sleep, six hours should be considered a minimum
- Three quarters (78 per cent) of the public expect to get less sleep than usual after an office Christmas party.
- Exercise regularly
- Try to manage your everyday stress levels since prolonged stress can suppress the immune system making you more vulnerable to some illnesses
- Drink plenty of fluids (this does not include alcohol!)
- Three quarters (78 per cent) of UK adults attending Christmas parties expect to drink up to 10 units in one evening. That’s the equivalent of five 175ml glasses of wine (or more than a bottle)!
-Eat a healthy, nutritious diet or consider taking nutritional supplements to ensure you’re getting all your essential vitamins and minerals.
- Try not to drink in excess and always drink a glass of water per unit and drink water before you go to bed.
- One in ten (14 per cent) of office partygoers will skip dinner and miss out on vital nutrients to keep their immune system in tip top condition.
- Avoid close contact with people who may have colds or the flu.
Flue Fact:
Two in five people (38 per cent) avoid being in confined spaces with people they don’t know due to fears over swine flu.
Pharmacist, Angela Chalmers, says: “Germs are easily spread through contact with contaminated surfaces, so it is vital you get in the habit of cleaning your hands regularly to help avoid passing potentially harmful germs on to others.
“Using soap and warm water is a simple and effective method and antiviral or antibacterial cleansers are especially useful when you’re on-the-go, with no immediate access to soap and warm water.”
Tagged in Health