As the cold and flu season approaches the BMA is today calling on adults and children1 to follow basic hygiene rules to prevent the spread of infections.

The new BMA report 'The prevention and treatment of viral respiratory disorders' states that simple measures like hand washing and not coughing and sneezing over people, will help prevent the spread of infection in the event of a major outbreak of flu.

-The report provides a checklist of simple measures for people to follow, for example:

-Wash hands - especially before and after preparing food and after using the toilet.

-Alcohol gel - this can be used as an alternative to hand washing with soap and water.

-Clean surfaces thoroughly - viruses can survive for up to two days or more so it is important to clean surfaces.

-Be aware that viruses are easily transmitted via surfaces such as handrails, newspapers and keyboards, it is therefore important to wash hands regularly. -Use disposable [paper] tissues - this allows…