How washing your hands does ward off colds and flu

THE spread of colds and other viruses could be slowed and winter pressure on the NHS cut if people are encouraged to wash their hands more frequently.

Researchers found that those prompted via the internet to wash their hands reported fewer gastrointestinal infections, saw their GP less and were given fewer prescriptions for antibiotics.

Professor Paul Little of the University of Southampton said the ‘simple and cheap’ regime could reduce the risk of infection by around 14 per cent.

He added: ‘Because most of the population catches coughs, colds, sore throats and other respiratory infections, this could have an important impact on reducing the spread of these viruses in the general population, and help reduce the pressure on NHS services during the winter months.’

A trial of 16,000 UK households examined the effectiveness of an internet service called Primit during three winters, from January 2011 to March 2013.

Four weekly sessions encourage simple techniques to avoid catching and passing on viruses, monitor handwashing and provide tailored feedback.

The study – funded by the Medical Research Council – enrolled 20,066 adults from 344 general practices across the UK.

The volunteers were divided into two groups, one with access to Primit and one without, and followed for 16 weeks.

In the Primit group 51 per cent reported at least one respiratory infection compared with 59 per cent in the other group, equivalent to a 14 per cent reduction in risk.

The risk of catching a flu-like illness was about 20 per cent lower in the Primit group, and the need for GP consultations and antibiotic prescriptions were reduced by up to 15 per cent.

Professor Little said: ‘Primit could play an important role in reducing the spread of flu and the strain on the NHS during a pandemic – and at very little cost to the health service.’