Wash your hands
Protect yourself and others from viruses
Cases of infectious illnesses can increase over winter, including highly contagious infections such as flu and norovirus, also called the ‘winter vomiting bug’.
Washing your hands with soap and water is one of the easiest ways to protect yourself and others from catching these viruses and help reduce the pressures on healthcare services.
Hand washing is particularly important when you’re visiting someone in hospital or another healthcare setting.
If you do not have immediate access to soap and water, then use alcohol-based hand sanitiser.
Make sure to wash your hands for at least 40 seconds, visit the NHS UK website find out more about how to wash your hands most effectively.
How to wash your hands