PEOPLE are being urged to wash their hands of germ-spreading habits.

A district-wide campaign is raising awareness of the importance of clean hands to help stop the spread of flu and other illnesses.

Bradford Council health chiefs issued the message in support of Global Handwashing Day.

They say that washing your hands with soap – particularly after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing – is one of the best ways to stop the spread of illnesses like flu and the common cold.

Toni Williams, public health consultant for the council, said: “Flu is a highly-infectious illness which spreads quickly and can cause serious problems for young children, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems. Even people with mild or no symptoms can infect others.

“When an infected person coughs or sneezes, germs are carried in their saliva droplets. Other people can catch the illness by breathing in these infected droplets or by touching surfaces where the droplets have landed.

“You can prevent the spread of infection by always carrying tissues, using them to catch coughs and sneezes, throwing away the tissue and then washing your hands.

“It’s not just a case of running your hands quickly under the tap – you need to rub your hands together for about twenty seconds with soap and warm water. Good handwashing can also protect you and your family from many other diseases including the common cold, chest infections and diarrhoeal illnesses.

“Handwashing is a quick, simple way to protect ourselves and others from getting ill. It really can save lives.”

She also encourages people in ‘at risk’ groups to take-up the offer a free flu vaccination.

Those eligible include people aged 65 and over, pregnant women, children who were aged two or three on August 31 this year and primary school pupils, and people with long-term health conditions.

Anyone unsure about whether they qualify for a free vaccination should contact their GP.

Symptoms of flu can include a sudden fever, an aching body, feelings of tiredness or exhaustion, a dry cough, sore throat, a headache, difficulty sleeping, a loss of appetite and diarrhoea or stomach pains.

Further information can be found at nhs.uk/conditions/flu or nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations/flu-influenza-vaccine.