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Preventing colds and flu

Professor John Oxford, virology specialist, on preventing colds and flu

'About half of all colds and flu are spread by hand-to-hand contact. People often worry about washing their hands after using the lavatory, yet don't think to wash their hands after they have sneezed into them. But they should. Wash your hands in soapy water, don't just splash them under the tap. You need to really wash for as long as it takes to sing Happy Birthday twice.'
Professor John Oxford, virology specialist from Queen Mary School of Medicine, London

Where to next?

- More tips on avoiding coughs and colds
- Coughs and colds in young children
- Treating colds in pregnancy: What's safe?

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heidi isaac, about 1 year [Offensive? Unsuitable? Report this comment.]

YES hand washing is great ---as a hospital worker i see the quick under the tap rince !!! why do they not see a large part of what they DONT do affects the care and teatment of patients. So lets think positive and sing HAPPY BIRTHDAY TWICE AND PUT IT INTO THE MOST IMPORTANT NURSE TRAINING -TEACH THE BASICS THEN YOUR HALF WAY THERE TO RULE OUT THE HOSPITAL BUGS MRSA.

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