The 5 common handwashing mistakes you should avoid making - as cases of norovirus surge
Regularly washing your hands is the best way to protect yourself from norovirus 🧼
- Cases of norovirus have continued to rise.
- Latest data from the UKHSA found that cases have climbed by 18.3% in two weeks.
- Regularly washing your hands is the best way to protect yourself from norovirus.
- Soma Pillay, a Bathroom Specialist at Bathroom City, outlines five common mistakes that can undo handwashing.
Cases of norovirus have continued to rise, according to the latest data from the UK Health and Security Agency (UKHSA).
Infections have climbed by 18.3% in the last two weeks, with older people continuing to account for most cases of the illness, also known as the “winter vomiting bug”, however, cases have started to increase in children under the age of five.
People are being reminded to do everything they can to prevent catching or spreading the infection, with handwashing one of the most effective ways to protect against the virus, as it cannot be killed by alcohol gels.
However, there are common mistakes that can undo the benefits of handwashing. Here are the five things you should never do after washing your hands, according to an expert.
How to avoid catching norovirus?
The most effective protection against norovirus is washing your hands regularly with warm, soapy water, as alcohol-based hand sanitisers do not work against norovirus.
However, some handwashing traits can undo the benefits of washing our hands. Soma Pillay, a Bathroom Specialist at Bathroom City, has outlined five common mistakes that can cancel out handwashing, leaving us prone to germs.
Soma said: “Washing your hands is an essential part of practising good hygiene, and while many people pride themselves on doing it regularly, a few everyday bathroom habits can undo all that good work. These simple actions often go unnoticed or are done automatically, yet they could easily cancel out the benefits of proper handwashing.”
Not replacing the hand towel regularly
Drying your hands with a damp, overused towel can quickly undo the most thorough handwashing. Soma explains that if a towel is left to get wet or is shared by multiple people, it can quickly breed bacteria.
Hand towels should ideally be changed every two to three days, or sooner if they feel damp. Soma said: “Switching to clean, dry towels regularly helps to maintain hygiene and prevent the spread of germs around the home. A simple rotation system or having a few spares to hand can make this routine easy to keep up with.”
Using your phone straight after washing
Our mobile phones can collect bacteria from every surface they come into contact with throughout the day. Picking yours up after washing your hands can undo your efforts in seconds. Soma recommends only handling your phone with clean, dry hands and regularly cleaning your phone screen with an antibacterial wipe.
Ignoring door handles and light switches
Washing your hands without cleaning the surfaces you regularly come into contact with can recontaminate them. Making a habit of disinfecting your light switches and door handles regularly can make a big difference to overall hygiene.
Forgetting the toilet flush and tap handles
The toilet flush and tap handles are the first things we touch after going to the bathroom. Regularly cleaning these areas with an antibacterial cleaner can help reduce bacteria build-up.
Neglecting the soap dispenser
Don’t forget to also regularly clean your soap dispenser, often overlooked, it is one of the most-touched items in your bathroom.
Soma said: “Overall, good hand hygiene doesn’t end at the sink; the small everyday choices make the biggest difference. By being mindful of these hidden habits, you can ensure your handwashing efforts truly keep your bathroom, and your hands, as clean as they should be.”
Cases of norovirus are continuing to spread. You can find out more about the signs and symptoms of the vomiting bug at NHS.UK.