Clean hands

Clean hands are one of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent the spread of infection.

Many infections spread through everyday activities when germs are transferred from hands to food, surfaces, other people or our own mouth, nose and eyes.

Regular handwashing can help protect you and those around you from illnesses such as diarrhoea, vomiting, colds and flu.

Make handwashing a routine:

• Before preparing, serving or eating food.
• After using the toilet or changing nappies.
• After outdoor activities.
• After contact with animals, animal environments, farms or petting zoos.
• After coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose.

Children develop healthy habits by watching the people around them. Encouraging and helping younger children to wash their hands properly can protect the whole family, particularly babies, older relatives and people with weakened immune systems.

When visiting farms, zoos or outdoor attractions, think about what may have come into contact with your hands, clothing, footwear and belongings.

A few moments spent washing hands before leaving can help prevent unwanted germs coming home with you.

Make handwashing a habit—it protects you, your family and your community. Learn how to wash hands effectively.

Did you know? Alcohol hand gel is not effective against some germs that cause severe stomach upsets, including norovirus. Washing hands with soap and water remains the best protection.

Clean air

Breathing cleaner air indoors can help reduce the spread of respiratory infections such as colds, flu and COVID-19.

When people cough, sneeze, talk or even breathe, tiny particles are released into the air. Bringing fresh air into indoor spaces helps remove these particles and lowers the chance of others breathing them in.

Simple actions can make a difference:

• Open windows when it is safe and practical to do so.
• Let fresh air circulate in shared indoor spaces.
• Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
• Dispose of tissues promptly and wash your hands afterwards.

These small actions help protect everyone, especially babies, older people and those with health conditions who may become more seriously unwell from respiratory infections.

Clean air is an easy way to help keep yourself and others well.

Clean surroundings

Germs can survive on surfaces and everyday objects that people touch regularly.

Regular cleaning helps reduce the risk of catching or spreading infections at home, work and in community settings.

Focus on frequently touched surfaces such as:

• door handles
• light switches
• kitchen worktops
• bathroom surfaces
• mobile phones and tablets
• remote controls and keyboards

In most situations, cleaning with detergent and water is enough to remove germs and reduce infection risks.

It is particularly important to clean surfaces that come into contact with food, dirt, bodily fluids or pets.

Making cleaning part of your normal household routine helps create a healthier environment for everyone.