Protecting Children from Colds and Flu

Hard surfaces such as desks and worktops can harbour cold and flu viruses for up to 48 hours. With children touching surfaces up to 300 times in just 30 minutes[1] not only are they at a greater risk of infection, but they are also more likely to spread the cold and flu virus to other children and to their family.

Removing germs from surfaces and teaching children good hygiene habits will help reduce the spread of cold and flu viruses from surfaces.

  • Regularly clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces around the home, such as door handles, hand rails, light switches and taps. Ensure devices such as mobile phones and remote controls are kept hygienically clean
  • If possible, use disposable cloths or wipes to minimise the spread of germs from surface to surface
  • Coughs and sneezes should be caught in a tissue where possible, and the used tissues thrown away in the bin, ensuring hands are washed after disposal. If you don’t have a tissue cough or sneeze into the crook of your arm
  • If re-using cloths, ensure they are washed and dried after each use [2]

Remove germs and bacteria from soft fabrics and clothing by washing at high temperatures (greater than 60⁰ C) or washing at a lower temperature add an appropriate laundry disinfectant or laundry sanitiser to the wash.