Importance of Hygiene
Both CTPA and UKCPI are supporting the communication messages of NHS Direct in the current environment. http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Pandemic-flu/Pages/QA.aspx
NHS Direct advises "maintaining good basic hygiene, for example washing hands frequently with soap and water to reduce the spread of the virus from your hands to face, or to other people".
In addition, the International Scientific Forum for Home Hygiene advises that the use of alcohol hand rubs as well as soap and water is beneficial. www.ifh-homehygiene.org/
Alcohol-based hand rubs or gels may not always be easily spotted in shops as they could be stocked alongside traditional soaps, with baby products and cleansers or at the drugs counter. If such products are not easily seen, ask the shop staff and check the product is indeed alcohol-based.